The deep transverse perineal muscle forms the muscular floor of the deep perineal pouch (urogenital diaphragm). In females it blends with the smooth muscle of the vaginal wall and functions as part of the rhabdosphincter for urinary continence. In males it is less developed. The deep perineal pouch contains the bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands) and the deep dorsal artery of the penis.
| Origin | Ischiopubic ramus — deep to the superficial transverse perineal |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Perineal body (central tendon of the perineum) |
| Nerve Supply | Perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2, S3, S4) |
| Blood Supply | Perineal artery |
| Actions | Compresses the urethra (in females — urethrovaginal sphincter function); Stabilises the perineal body; Assists in urinary continence |
|---|
Obstetric trauma to the deep transverse perineal contributes to urinary stress incontinence by disrupting the urethral support mechanism. Pelvic floor rehabilitation targets this muscle alongside the levator ani for stress incontinence management.
Not independently palpable from the perineal surface — assessed through ultrasound during pelvic floor muscle contraction.
Deep transverse perineal disruption from childbirth contributing to stress urinary incontinence managed with pelvic floor physiotherapy.
