Abstract
Both external anal sphincter (EAS) and bulbocavernosus muscle (BCM) have been shown anatomically and physiologically to constitute one muscle in males. We investigated the hypothesis that the EAS and BCM have similar anatomical pattern in females. The study consisted of cadaveric dissection, electromyographic recordings and inferior rectal nerve stimulation. Bulbocavernosus reflex action was performed in 16 healthy women before and after anesthetization of the EAS and BCM. The EAS extended forward across the perineal body and became continuous with the BCM in the labia majora. Glans clitoris (GC) or inferior rectal nerve stimulation effected synchronous EAS and BCM contractions with identical action potentials. GC stimulation while the EAS or BCM was anesthetized produced neither EAS nor BCM response. Similarly, stimulation of the anesthetized GC produced no EAS or BCM response. The BCM and EAS apparently constitute a single muscle, which seems to play dual and yet synchronous roles in fecal control and sexual response.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
