Superficial Transverse Perineal Muscle (Left) (Musculus transversus perinei superficialis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The superficial transverse perineal muscle is a narrow muscular slip lying transversely across the superficial perineal space along the posterior margin of the perineal membrane. It extends from the inner surface of the ischial tuberosity to the perineal body, helping anchor the central perineal tendon and separate the anterior urogenital triangle from the posterior anal triangle.
Origin & insertion
From the inner and anterior surface of the ischial tuberosity to the perineal body (central tendon of the perineum).
Action
Fixes and stabilizes the perineal body, providing support for the pelvic diaphragm and resisting downward pelvic displacement.
Innervation
Perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2–S4).
Clinical notes
The superficial transverse perineal muscle is routinely incised during mediolateral episiotomy and can be torn in second- to fourth-degree perineal obstetric lacerations; anatomic reconstruction is vital to prevent future prolapse.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Superficial Transverse Perineal Muscle (Left)?
The superficial transverse perineal muscle is a narrow muscular slip lying transversely across the superficial perineal space along the posterior margin of the perineal membrane. It extends from the inner surface of the ischial tuberosity to the perineal body, helping anchor the central perineal tendon and separate the anterior urogenital triangle from the posterior anal triangle.
Why is the Superficial Transverse Perineal Muscle (Left) clinically important?
The superficial transverse perineal muscle is routinely incised during mediolateral episiotomy and can be torn in second- to fourth-degree perineal obstetric lacerations; anatomic reconstruction is vital to prevent future prolapse.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details