The ischiocavernosus muscle (erectores penis ''or'' erector clitoridis in older texts) is a muscle just below the surface of the
perineum, present in both men and women.
Structure
It arises by tendinous and fleshy fibers from the inner surface of the tuberosity of the
, behind the
crus penis
For their anterior three-fourths the corpora cavernosa penis lie in intimate apposition with one another, but behind they diverge in the form of two tapering processes, known as the crura, which are firmly connected to the ischial rami.
Traced ...
; and from the
inferior pubic rami and
on either side of the crus.
From these points fleshy fibers succeed, and end in an
aponeurosis
An aponeurosis (; plural: ''aponeuroses'') is a type or a variant of the deep fascia, in the form of a sheet of pearly-white fibrous tissue that attaches sheet-like muscles needing a wide area of attachment. Their primary function is to join muscl ...
which is inserted into the sides and under surface of the crus penis.
Function
In females, the ischiocavernosus muscle assists with
clitoral erection.
In males, it helps to stabilize the
erect penis
An erection (clinically: penile erection or penile tumescence) is a physiological phenomenon in which the penis becomes firm, engorged, and enlarged. Penile erection is the result of a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular, ...
by compressing the
crus penis
For their anterior three-fourths the corpora cavernosa penis lie in intimate apposition with one another, but behind they diverge in the form of two tapering processes, known as the crura, which are firmly connected to the ischial rami.
Traced ...
and retarding the return of blood through the veins.
Additional images
File:Gray236.png, Right hip bone. Internal surface.
File:Gray407.png, Coronal section of anterior part of pelvis, through the pubic arch. Seen from in front.
File:Gray542.png, The superficial branches of the internal pudendal artery.
References
External links
* - "The Female Perineum: Muscles of the Superficial Perineal Pouch"
* - "Muscles of the female superficial perineal pouch."
* - "Muscles of the male superficial perineal pouch. "
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Muscles of the torso
Perineum