The perineal body (central tendon of the perineum) is a fibromuscular node at the center of the perineum. Which of the following muscles does NOT attach to the perineal body?

• A Bulbospongiosus
• B External anal sphincter (superficial part)
• C Superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles
• D Obturator internus ✓

Explanation

The perineal body (central tendon of the perineum) serves as the attachment for multiple muscles: bulbospongiosus (both sides), superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, external anal sphincter (superficial part), and some fibers of levator ani (pubococcygeus/puborectalis). Obturator internus originates from the inner surface of the obturator membrane and inserts into the greater trochanter — it has no attachment to the perineal body. The perineal body is critical for pelvic floor support and is disrupted in obstetric perineal tears and repaired in episiotomies.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.