Anal triangle

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The anal triangle is the posterior part of the perineum. It contains the anal canal.

[edit] Structure

The anal triangle can be defined either by its vertices or its sides.

• Vertices
  • one vertex at the coccyx bone
  • the two ischiopubic rami of the pelvic bone
• Sides
  • perineal membrane (posterior)
  • the two sacrotuberous ligaments

[edit] Contents

Some components of the anal triangle include:

• Ischiorectal fossa
• Sacrotuberous ligament
• Sacrospinous ligament
• Pudendal nerve
• Internal pudendal artery and Internal pudendal vein
• Anal canal
• Muscles
  • Sphincter ani externus muscle
  • Gluteus maximus muscle
  • Obturator internus muscle
  • Levator ani muscle
  • Coccygeus muscle

[edit] Additional images

Articulations of pelvis. Posterior view.

The superficial branches of the internal pudendal artery.

The posterior aspect of the rectum exposed by removing the lower part of the sacrum and the coccyx.

[edit] See also

• Perineum
• Urogenital triangle

[edit] External links

• SUNY Labs 41:01-0202 - "The Female Perineum: Boundaries of the Female Perineum"
• Norman/Georgetown perineum

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