Perineal body

Looks like

A knot of muscle and connective tissue at the centre of the perineum between the anus and the genitals.

What it does

Anchors the pelvic-floor muscles and supports the pelvic organs from below.

Keeping it well

Stretched and torn in childbirth; tears reaching the anal sphincter need repair in theatre, and incontinence afterwards should be reported.

Related conditions

• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Chronic constipation
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Perineal tear in childbirth
• Prostatitis & pelvic pain
• Rectal prolapse