Corpus: Ischiorectal fossa
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Synonyms: Fossa ischioanalis, infralevatoric space
English: , ischioanal fossa
Definition[Bearbeiten]
The ischiorectal fossa is an anatomical space filled with fatty and connective tissue in the posterior region of the pelvic floor. It has the shape of a wedge whose base points caudally and is localised between the wall of the lesser pelvis (obturator muscle) and the pelvic diaphragm.
Anatomy[Bearbeiten]
Limitations[Bearbeiten]
The ischiorectal fossa is bordered by the following structures:
- superior: levator ani muscle
- anterior: Recessus pubicus
- medial: levator ani muscle, sphincter ani externus muscle, anal fascia
- lateral: Tuber ischiadicum, Musculus obturator internus
- posterior: gluteus maximus muscle, sacrotuberous ligament
- inferior: open (skin) in the anal region; urogenital diaphragm in the urogenital region
Contents[Bearbeiten]
The ischiorectal fossa contains:
- Within the canalis pudendalis (Alcock canal):
- Internal pudendal artery
- Internal pudendal vein
- Pudendal nerve
- Outside the pudendal canal:
- Inferior rectal artery
- Inferior rectal vein
- Inferior rectal nerves
Clinical significance[Bearbeiten]
Abscesses can form in the ischiorectal fossa, arising from fistulae of the proctodeal glands and extending to the symphysis pubica.