Research findings from University of Michigan update understanding of obstetrics.(Report)

"Recent cadaver research demonstrates the perineal membrane's ventral and dorsal portions and close relationship to the levator ani muscle. This study seeks to show these relationships in women by magnetic resonance (MR) images," scientists in the United States report (see also Obstetrics).

"The subjects were 20 asymptomatic nulliparous women with normal pelvic examinations. MR images were acquired in multiple planes. Anatomical relationships from cadaver studies were examined in these planes. In the coronal plane the ventral perineal membrane forms an interconnected complex with the compressor urethrae, vestibular bulb, and levator ani. The dorsal part connects the levator ani and vaginal side wall via a distinct band to the ischiopubic ramus. In the sagittal plane the parallel position of perineal membrane and levator ani are seen. The perineal membrane's anatomical features can be seen in women with MR," wrote C.J. Brandon and colleagues, University of ...