Origin Ischial Tuberosity Artery Perineal artery | Insertion Crus of penis Nerve Pudendal nerve | |
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Actions Assists the bulbospongiosus muscle (in males, empties the urethra; in females, clenches the vagina) Latin musculus ischiocavernosus | ||
The ischiocavernosus muscle is a muscle just below the surface of the perineum, present in both men and women.
Contents
Structure
It arises by tendinous and fleshy fibers from the inner surface of the tuberosity of the ischium, behind the crus penis; and from the rami of the pubis and ischium on either side of the crus.
From these points fleshy fibers succeed, and end in an aponeurosis which is inserted into the sides and under surface of the crus penis.
Function
It helps flex the anus, and (in males) stabilize the erect penis or (in females) tense the vagina during orgasm. Kegel exercises (also known as pelvic floor exercises) can help tone the ischiocavernosus muscle.
Ischiocavernosus compresses the crus penis, and retards the return of the blood through the veins, and thus serves to maintain the organ erect.