Deep Perineal Pouch

spatium profundum perinei

The deep perineal pouch is the space above the perineal membrane in the urogenital triangle, bounded above by the inferior fascia of the pelvic diaphragm and fat of the ischioanal fossa. It contains the external urethral sphincter, the deep transverse perineal muscles and, in males, the bulbourethral glands and membranous urethra.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Urogenital triangle, between the perineal membrane and the pelvic floor.
Boundaries	Perineal membrane below Inferior fascia of the pelvic diaphragm and anterior recesses of the ischioanal fossa above Ischiopubic rami laterally
Contents	External urethral sphincter Compressor urethrae and urethrovaginal sphincter in females Deep transverse perineal muscles Membranous urethra Bulbourethral glands in males Dorsal nerve and vessels of the penis or clitoris

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Contains the voluntary sphincter of the urethra and supports the pelvic organs.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The membranous urethra in this pouch is the part most often injured in pelvic fractures, with blood and urine collecting above the perineal membrane in the pelvis. The external urethral sphincter here is important for continence and may be damaged in prostate surgery.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Membranous Urethral Injury

Disruption of the urethra in the deep pouch, usually with pelvic fracture, causing blood at the urethral opening and an inability to pass urine.

Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence

Damage to the external urethral sphincter in the deep pouch during prostate surgery, leading to stress urinary leakage.

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