perineum
Pronunciation: per'i-ne'um, -ne'a
Definition:
- Surface area between the thighs extending from the coccyx to the pubis that includes the anus posteriorly and the external genitalia anteriorly.
- The compartment inferior to the pelvic diaphragm bounded peripherally by the osseofibrous structures comprising the pelvic outlet the surface of which is sense 1.
- External surface of the central tendon of the perineum, lying between the vulva and the anus in the female and the scrotum and the anus in the male.
[L. fr. G. perineon, perinaion]
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