Dissection of muscles of male perineum and pelvic diaphragm

Inferior fascia of urogenital diaphragm (perineal membrane)

Stanford holds the copyright to the David L. Bassett anatomical images and has assigned Creative Commons license Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International to all of the images.
For additional information regarding use and permissions, please contact the Medical History Center.

Image #174-3

Dissection of muscles of male perineum and pelvic diaphragm

Inferior fascia of urogenital diaphragm (perineal membrane)

The penis has been transected opposite the pubic symphysis. The inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm has been preserved and the dorsal nerves, arteries, and vein of the penis are visible in relation to the anterior border of the diaphragm.

1. Body of penis (covered by penile fascia)
2. Corpus spongiosum of penis (pointer indicates cut end of urethra)
3. Corpora cavernosa penis (joined by septum penis)
4. Pubic arcuate ligament
5. Upper pointer: Dorsal nerve of the penis Lower pointer: Dorsal artery of penis
6. Inferior pubic ramus
7. Ischial tuberosity
8. Sacrotuberous ligament
9. Levator ani muscle
10. Anus
11. Suspensory ligament of the penis
12. Dorsal vein of the penis
13. Transverse perineal ligament
14. Urethra (cut off at junction of membranous and spongy parts)
15. Left pointer: Sphincter muscle of urethra (visible through thin part of perineal membrane) Right pointer: Inferior fascia of urogenital diaphragm
16. Posterior border of urogenital diaphragm
17. Fibers of levator ani that insert in tissue alongside anus