Deep Transverse Perineal
Pelvis & Perineum · Trunk
The deep transverse perineal muscle lies within the deep perineal pouch, above the superficial transverse perineal muscle. It arises from the inner surface of the ischiopubic ramus and runs transversely to meet its fellow of the opposite side at the perineal body and median raphe. Together the two muscles form a supporting sheet that stabilises the perineal body and reinforces the pelvic viscera resting above the perineal membrane. It is supplied by the perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2-S4).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Inner surface of the ischiopubic ramus
Insertion
Perineal body and median raphe, with its fellow of the opposite side
Action
Supports and stabilizes the perineal body and pelvic viscera
Nerve
Perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2–S4)
Attachments explained
The Deep Transverse Perineal is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Inner surface of the ischiopubic ramus
Insertion
Perineal body and median raphe, with its fellow of the opposite side
Action & function
When the Deep Transverse Perineal contracts, it produces the following movement: Supports and stabilizes the perineal body and pelvic viscera.
As part of the Pelvis & Perineum group of the Trunk, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Deep Transverse Perineal receives its nerve supply from the Perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2–S4). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) S2, S4.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Perineal branch of the pudendal nerve or to its spinal roots (S2, S4) can weaken or paralyse the Deep Transverse Perineal, impairing the movements it normally produces (supports and stabilizes the perineal body and pelvic viscera). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Deep Transverse Perineal (the OIANS method)
Distinguish this muscle from its superficial namesake by pouch: the deep transverse perineal lies in the deep perineal pouch and the superficial one lies in the superficial pouch, but both run transversely from the ischiopubic ramus to the perineal body and both stabilise that central tendon. Learning them as a superficial-and-deep pair, sharing a direction and a target, halves the work.
Associate it with the urethral musculature of the deep pouch, since in many descriptions the external urethral sphincter and its accessory slips are considered a specialised part of this deep transverse perineal sheet. That grouping, together with its perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2-S4), keeps the deep pouch muscles organised in your mind rather than floating loose.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Deep Transverse Perineal located?
The Deep Transverse Perineal is a muscle of the Pelvis & Perineum group, located in the Trunk.
What is the origin of the Deep Transverse Perineal?
Inner surface of the ischiopubic ramus
What is the insertion of the Deep Transverse Perineal?
Perineal body and median raphe, with its fellow of the opposite side
What movements does the Deep Transverse Perineal produce?
Supports and stabilizes the perineal body and pelvic viscera
What nerve supplies the Deep Transverse Perineal?
Perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2–S4)
Is the Deep Transverse Perineal free to study in OIANS?
The Deep Transverse Perineal is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Trunk is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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