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Ischiocavernosus muscle (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Ischiocavernosus is a bilateral perineal muscle in both males and females.

In males, it arises from the medial aspect of the ischial tuberosity and more anteriorly, from the ischial ramus. It inserts into the aponeurosis over the medial and lateral sides of the crus penis. It action is to facilitate the maintainance of an erection.

In females, ischiocavernosus has a similar origin but it inserts into the crura of the clitoris. Its function is similar: to retard venous return so erecting the clitoris.

Ischiocavernosus is innervated by the perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2-4).

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