The ischiocavernosus muscle (erectores penis ''or'' erector clitoridis in older texts) is a muscle just below the surface of the
perineum
The perineum (: perineums or perinea) in placentalia, placental mammals is the space between the anus and the genitals. The human perineum is between the anus and scrotum in the male or between the anus and vulva in the female. The perineum is ...
, present in both men and women.
Structure
It arises by tendinous and fleshy fibers from the inner surface of the tuberosity of the
, behind the
crus penis
The two crura of penis (one crus on each side) constitute the root of penis along with the bulb of penis. The two crura flank the bulb – one to each side of the bulb. Each crus is attached at the angle between the perineal membrane and ischiopu ...
; and from the
inferior pubic rami and
on either side of the crus.
From these points fleshy fibers succeed, and end in an
aponeurosis
An aponeurosis (; : aponeuroses) is a flattened tendon by which muscle attaches to bone or fascia. Aponeuroses exhibit an ordered arrangement of collagen fibres, thus attaining high tensile strength in a particular direction while being vulnerable ...
which is inserted into the sides and under surface of the crus penis.
Function
In females, the ischiocavernosus muscle assists with
clitoral erection
Clitoral erection (also known as clitoral tumescence or female erection) is a physiological phenomenon where the clitoris becomes enlarged and firm.
Clitoral erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular ...
.
In males, it helps to stabilize the
erect penis
An erection (clinically: penile erection or penile tumescence) is a Physiology, physiological phenomenon in which the penis becomes firm, engorged, and enlarged. Penile erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, ...
by compressing the
crus penis
The two crura of penis (one crus on each side) constitute the root of penis along with the bulb of penis. The two crura flank the bulb – one to each side of the bulb. Each crus is attached at the angle between the perineal membrane and ischiopu ...
and retarding the return of blood through the veins.
Additional images
File:Gray236.png, Right hip bone. Internal surface.
File:Gray407.png, Coronal section of anterior part of pelvis, through the pubic arch. Seen from in front.
File:Gray542.png, The superficial branches of the internal pudendal artery.
References
External links
* - "The Female Perineum: Muscles of the Superficial Perineal Pouch"
* - "Muscles of the female superficial perineal pouch."
* - "Muscles of the male superficial perineal pouch. "
{{Authority control
Muscles of the torso
Perineum