The ischioanal fossa (formerly called ischiorectal fossa) is the fat-filled wedge-shaped space located lateral to the anal canal and inferior to the
pelvic diaphragm
The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is an anatomical location in the human body which has an important role in urinary and anal continence, sexual function, and support of the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor includes muscles, both skeletal and ...
. It is somewhat prismatic in shape, with its base directed to 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 ...
and its apex at the line of meeting of the
obturator and
anal fasciae.
Boundaries
It has the following boundaries:
[ - Ischiorectal fossa is colored yellow]
Contents
The contents include:
* Inside
Alcock's canal, on the lateral wall
**
internal pudendal artery
The internal pudendal artery is one of the three pudendal arteries. It branches off the internal iliac artery, and provides blood to the external genitalia.
Structure
The internal pudendal artery is the terminal branch of the anterior trunk ...
**
internal pudendal vein
**
pudendal nerve
The pudendal nerve is the main nerve of the perineum. It is a Mixed nerve, mixed (motor and sensory) nerve and also conveys Sympathetic nervous system, sympathetic Autonomic nervous system, autonomic fibers. It carries sensation from the exter ...
* Outside Alcock's canal, crossing the space transversely
**
inferior rectal artery
The inferior rectal artery (inferior hemorrhoidal artery) is an artery that supplies blood to the lower third of the anal canal below the pectinate line.
Structure
The inferior rectal artery arises from the internal pudendal artery as it passes ab ...
**
inferior rectal veins
**
inferior anal nerves
** fatty tissue across which numerous fibrous bands extend from side to side allows distension of the anal canal during defecation
See also
*
Anal triangle
The anal triangle is the posterior part of the perineum. It contains the anus in mammals.
Structure
The anal triangle can be defined either by its vertices or its sides.
* ''Vertices''
** one vertex at the coccyx bone
** the two ischial tuber ...
References
Additional images
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.
External links
*
* - "The Female Perineum: The Ischioanal Fossa"
*
*
* (, )
Diagramat
Emory University
Emory University is a private university, private research university in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was founded in 1836 as Emory College by the Methodist Episcopal Church and named in honor of Methodist bishop John Emory. Its main campu ...
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Perineum