Place the cadaver in the prone position. Identify the nerves and vessels traversing the ischiorectal (ischioanal) fossa.
- Identify the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal artery where these structures pass superficial to the sacrospinous ligament.
- Identify the inferior rectal nerve and artery, and external anal sphinchter and levator ani muscle (pelvic diaphragm). (G 5.61;N 382 and 391;Gl 22.22) Trace the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal artery branches as far anterior as possible (where they approach the labia majora). (G 5.59A;N 391;Gl 22.22)
Important Relationship
- The internal pudendal artery and vein, and the pudendal nerve pass posterior-lateral (superficial) to the sacrospinous ligament.
