Anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body with relevance to obstetrical injury and repair

2002/08/01 by Patrick J. Woodman, Daniel O. Graney
Medicine · #Pelvic floor disorders treatments #Ureteral procedures and complications #Urological Disorders and Treatments

paper · doi:10.1002/ca.10034

openalex publication_date 2002/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26

Abstract

The female perineal body is a mass of interlocking muscular, fascial, and fibrous components lying between the vagina and anorectum. The perineal body is also an integral attachment point for components of the urinary and fecal continence mechanisms, which are commonly damaged during vaginal childbirth. Repair of injuries to the perineal body caused by spontaneous tears or episiotomy are topics too often neglected in medical education. This review presents the anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body, as well as clinical considerations for pelvic reconstructive surgery.

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