MALE PERINEUM 175 



is met with in three different regions of the body viz., 

 (i) within the cavity of the pelvis; (2) in the gluteal region, 

 where it lies upon the spine of the ischium ; and (3) in 

 the perineal space. It is consequently described as con- 

 sisting of a pelvic, a gluteal, and a perineal part. The perineal 

 or third part of the pudendal artery enters the perineum by 

 passing through the lesser sciatic foramen. At first it is 

 placed deeply ; but it becomes more superficial as it passes 

 forwards, and, at the same time, it inclines medially, so that, 

 at its termination, it is not far from the middle line of the 

 body. 



In the rectal triangle the pudendal artery is contained 

 in the canal in the obturator fascia, on the lateral wall 

 of the ischio-rectal fossa. There it lies fully 38 mm. (an 

 inch and a half) above the level of the lowest part of the 

 ischial tuberosity, and is accompanied by two veins and the 

 two divisions of the pudendal nerve. Of the latter the dorsal 

 nerve of the penis lies above it and the perineal nerve below 

 it. Reaching the base of the urogenital triangle, the pudendal 

 artery insinuates itself between the two fasciae of the uro- 

 genital diaphragm, and, gradually emerging from under cover 

 of the bone, proceeds forwards along the edge of the pubic 

 arch to a point about half an inch below the symphysis ; 

 there it pierces the inferior fascia of the urogenital 

 diaphragm, and immediately ends, under cover of the crus 

 penis, by dividing into two branches, viz. (i) the profunda 

 penis artery, which supplies the corpus cavernosum penis, 

 and (2) the dorsal artery of the penis (Fig. 83, p. 172). 

 In not a few cases it divides while still between the two fasciae 

 of the urogenital diaphragm, and its two terminal branches 

 pierce the inferior fascia of the diaphragm separately. 



Branches of the Internal Pudendal Artery. The pudendal 

 artery has already been seen to give off the inferior hamorrhoidal, 

 and the perineal arteries, and to divide into its two terminal 

 branches the dorsal artery of the penis and the deep artery of 

 the penis. Between the fasciae of the urogenital diaphragm it 

 gives origin to the artery to the bulb. 



The artery to the bulb is a short, wide vessel which springs 

 from the internal pudendal artery about 5mm. (one-fifth of an 

 inch) above the level of the base of the urogenital diaphragm. 

 It passes medially, between the two fasciae of the diaphragm, 

 and, giving a small twig to the bulbo-urethral gland, it enters 



