During childbirth, the perineal body (central tendon of the perineum) is at risk of injury. Which of the following muscles does NOT directly insert into the perineal body?

• A Bulbospongiosus
• B Superficial transverse perinei
• C External anal sphincter
• D Obturator internus ✓

Explanation

The perineal body is a fibromuscular node at the convergence of several perineal muscles: bulbospongiosus (anterior to it), superficial and deep transverse perinei (from lateral sides), external anal sphincter (posteriorly), and the anterior fibres of levator ani. Obturator internus is a hip rotator that inserts into the greater trochanter and does not reach the perineal body. Damage to the perineal body during delivery leads to rectocele, perineal descent, and faecal incontinence.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.