perineum

anatomy

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The perineum is the area between the thighs that marks the approximate lower boundary of the pelvis. It is occupied by the urinary and genital ducts and the rectum, and it specifically refers to the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia. The term "perineo-" is a combining form used in medical contexts to refer to the perineum itself or to indicate a relationship between the perineum and another structure, such as in "perineovaginal". In female anatomy, the labia majora extend to merge with the skin of the perineum.123

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human reproductive system
The scrotum
…is continued back onto the perineum (the area between the legs and as far back as the anus). This arrangement indicates the bilateral origin of the scrotum from two genital swellings that lie one on each side of the base of the phallus, the precursor of the penis or clitoris…
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…is continued back onto the perineum (the area between the legs and as far back as the anus). This arrangement indicates the bilateral origin of the scrotum from two genital swellings that lie one on each side of the base of the phallus, the precursor of the penis or clitoris…
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birth
Spinal anesthesia
…the inner thighs, buttocks, and perineum—the parts of the body that in a sitting position would come into contact with a saddle. The numbing effect occasionally extends beyond the intended saddle area, however, reaching as far as the toes. Extreme maternal hypotension, a decrease in utero-placental perfusion, and loss of…
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…the inner thighs, buttocks, and perineum—the parts of the body that in a sitting position would come into contact with a saddle. The numbing effect occasionally extends beyond the intended saddle area, however, reaching as far as the toes. Extreme maternal hypotension, a decrease in utero-placental perfusion, and loss of…
Read More