Anatomy of the perineal membrane as seen in magnetic resonance images of nulliparous women.
OBJECTIVE
Recent cadaver research demonstrates the perineal membrane's ventral and dorsal portions and close relationship to the levator ani muscle. This study seeks to show these relationships in women by magnetic resonance (MR) images.


METHODS
The subjects were 20 asymptomatic nulliparous women with normal pelvic examinations. MR images were acquired in multiple planes. Anatomical relationships from cadaver studies were examined in these planes.


RESULTS
In the coronal plane the ventral perineal membrane forms an interconnected complex with the compressor urethrae, vestibular bulb, and levator ani. The dorsal part connects the levator ani and vaginal side wall via a distinct band to the ischiopubic ramus. In the sagittal plane the parallel position of perineal membrane and levator ani are seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The perineal membrane's anatomical features can be seen in women with MR. The close relationship between the perineal membrane and levator ani is evident.
Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Catherine J
CJ
Brandon
Christina
C
Lewicky-Gaupp
Kindra A
KA
Larson
John O L
JO
Delancey
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010298:Parity; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D010502:Perineum / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D014521:Urethra / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014621:Vagina / Q000033:anatomy & histology