Corpus: Bulbospongiosus muscle

The bulbospongiosus muscle is a skeletal muscle that forms part of the pelvic floor musculature.

The bulbospongiosus muscle is located in front of the anus, in the center of the perineum, within the superficial perineal pouch. It originates at the perineal tendon center and the perineal raphe. The muscle fibers radiate symmetrically anterolaterally, resembling a fan, into the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm. In men, these fibers also attach to the dorsum of the penis, while in women, they attach to the fascia of the corpus clitoridis.

The bulbospongiosus muscle surrounds the vestibular bulbs in women and the bulbus penis and adjacent parts of the corpus spongiosum penis in men.

The muscle is innervated by the perineal rami of the pudendal nerve, originating from the sacral plexus (S2-S4).

The arterial supply to the bulbospongiosus muscle is provided by the perineal artery.

In men, the bulbospongiosus muscle functions to compress and empty the urethra after urination and supports or intensifies ejaculation. In women, the muscle increases pressure on the greater vestibular glands and constricts the vaginal vestibule.