FEMALE PERINEUM 



373 



corpus cavernosum. Posteriorly, opposite the lower part of 

 the symphysis pubis, the corpus cavernosum separates into 

 two parts, the crura ditoridis which diverge widely from each 

 other. Each crus is attached by its deep surface to the rami 

 of the pubis and ischium, and is covered by the corre- 

 sponding ischio-cavernosus muscle. 



The clitoris, then, consists of three parts: (i) a glans 

 continuous with the pars intermedia ; (2) a body ; and (3) two 

 crura attached to the sides of the pubic arch. It has been 



\Vestibular gland 

 (Bartholin's) 

 Vagina 

 Central point of perineum 



FIG. 140. Dissection of Female Perineum to show the Clitoris and the 

 Bulb of the Vestibule. 



noted that the pars intermedia corresponds with the corpus 

 cavernosum urethrse in the male. This apparatus in the 

 female, therefore, closely resembles the penis in the male, 

 the chief differences being the diminutive size of the clitoris, 

 and the fact that the glans clitoridis is not perforated by the 

 urethra. 



Dissection. Detach the left crus clitoris from the side of the pubic arch 

 and throw it aside. This dissection requires care, because the internal 

 pudendal artery, the dorsal nerve of the clitoris, and the small artery 

 which enters the crus, are very apt to be injured. The internal pudendal 

 vessels and the dorsal nerve of the clitoris will be seen piercing the uro- 

 124 a 



