The perineal region refers to the area between the anus and the external genitalia. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the presence of both long and short vowels, as well as the silent "e". Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word can be transcribed as /ˌperəˈniːəl/. The first syllable has a schwa sound followed by a long "e" sound, while the second syllable has a long "e" sound followed by a short "a" sound. The ending "al" is pronounced like "uhl".
The perineal region is a specific anatomical area located in the lower part of the pelvis, commonly referred to as the pelvic floor or the area between the anus and the external genitalia. It comprises the soft tissues that form the bottom area of the pelvis, including the perineal muscles, skin, and nerves.
The perineal region serves various crucial functions. It provides support for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs, helping maintain proper body posture. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in bowel movements and urination control due to its involvement in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are responsible for maintaining continence and assisting in the expelling of urine and feces from the body.
Furthermore, the perineal region is of particular significance during childbirth. It stretches and widens to accommodate the passage of the baby through the birth canal. Due to these unique characteristics, the perineum may experience stretching, tears, or episiotomies during labor and delivery.
In terms of medical conditions, the perineal region can be prone to various pathologies, including infections, abscesses, trauma, and even tumors. Therefore, careful hygiene, proper wound care, and regular medical examinations are important to maintain the health and well-being of this area.
In summary, the perineal region corresponds to the area between the anus and the external genitalia and encompasses the soft tissues and muscles of the pelvic floor. It plays a vital role in supporting pelvic organs, controlling bowel and bladder functions, and facilitating childbirth.
The region at the lower end of the trunk, anterior to the sacral region between the thighs; it is divided into the anal region posteriorly and the urogenital region anteriorly; see cut under regio.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "perineal" comes from the Latin term "perinaeum", which in turn is derived from the Greek term "peri" meaning "around" and "neion" meaning "spinning top". The region is so named because its shape is similar to that of a spinning top, and it is located around the anus and the external genitalia.