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. It is somewhat prismatic in shape, with its base directed to the surface of the perineum 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
ANTERIOR* fascia of Colles covering the transversus perinei superficialis* inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm (perineal membrane) LATERAL* tuberosity of the ischium* Obturator internus muscle * obturator fascia SUPERIOR:* Levator ani INFERIOR:* skin MEDIAL:* Levator ani* Sphincter ani externus muscle* anal fascia POSTERIOR* Gluteus maximus* sacrotuberous ligament
Contents The contents include: Inside Alcock's canal, on the lateral wall internal pudendal artery internal pudendal vein pudendal nerve Outside Alcock's canal, crossing the space transversely inferior rectal artery 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
References
Additional images
External links
- "The Female Perineum: The Ischioanal Fossa"
(, ) Diagram at Emory University