Space
Superficial perineal pouch
Erectile roots and muscles below the perineal membrane
High-yield
Colles' fascia blends with genital superficial fascia and with Scarpa's fascia on the abdomen. Attachments toward the pelvic margins and upper thighs channel fluid, but spread also depends on which deeper coverings have been breached.
Overview
In the broad clinical description, this compartment lies between the perineal membrane and membranous superficial perineal fascia. It contains the roots of the external genitalia and their muscles, with investing fascia subdividing the tissues. Its anterior fascial continuity helps explain how a local injury can cause swelling beyond the perineum.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- The commonly taught compartment extends from Colles' fascia superficially to the perineal membrane deeply, between the ischiopubic rami, with posterior fascial attachment near the perineal body and membrane.
- Contents
- It includes the penile bulb and crura with proximal spongy urethra, or the clitoral crura, vestibular bulbs and greater vestibular glands. Bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, superficial transverse perineal muscles and regional neurovascular branches accompany these structures.
- Communications
- Superficial genital tissues continue anteriorly toward the lower abdominal fascial plane. Lateral and posterior attachments normally restrict spread; the investing fascia and extent of injury determine which subcompartments communicate.
Clinical correlation
Straddle injury can damage the proximal spongy urethra and produce perineal bruising or genital swelling. Urine may enter continuous superficial tissue planes after the surrounding fascia is disrupted. Necrotizing infection can also spread through these planes and destroy boundaries that would otherwise limit a collection.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the superficial perineal pouch?
The commonly taught compartment extends from Colles' fascia superficially to the perineal membrane deeply, between the ischiopubic rami, with posterior fascial attachment near the perineal body and membrane.
What does the superficial perineal pouch contain?
It includes the penile bulb and crura with proximal spongy urethra, or the clitoral crura, vestibular bulbs and greater vestibular glands. Bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, superficial transverse perineal muscles and regional neurovascular branches accompany these structures.
What does the superficial perineal pouch communicate with?
Superficial genital tissues continue anteriorly toward the lower abdominal fascial plane. Lateral and posterior attachments normally restrict spread; the investing fascia and extent of injury determine which subcompartments communicate.