Name

# Bulbospongiosus

Pronunciation

(bul-bo-spon-jE-o-sus)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Perineal body (and midline raphe over corpus spongiosum in male)

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Superficial perineal membrane and dorsal penile/clitoral aponeurosis

Action/Relevance

Male:aids emptying of urine and ejaculate from urethra. Female: closes vaginal introitus

Innervation

Perineal branch of pudendal nerve (S2, 3, 4)

Notes

Bulbospongiosus is one of the superficial muscles of the perineum. It has a slightly different origin, insertion and function in males and females. In both sexes, it is innervated by the deep/muscular branch of the perineal nerve, which is a branch of the pudendal nerve. In males it contributes to erection, ejaculation, and the feelings of orgasm. In females it closes the vagina and contributes to the feelings of orgasm.