Perineal raphe

The perineal raphe is a visible line or ridge of tissue on the body that extends from the anus through the perineum to the scrotum (male) or the vulva (female). It is found in both males and females, arises from the fusion of the urogenital folds, and is visible running medial through anteroposterior, to the anus where it resolves in a small knot of skin of varying size.

In males, this structure continues through the midline of the scrotum (scrotal raphe) and upwards through the posterior midline aspect of the penis (penile raphe). It also exists deeper through the scrotum where it is called the scrotal septum. It is the result of a fetal developmental phenomenon whereby the scrotum and penis close toward the midline and fuse.^[1]

See also

• Embryonic and prenatal development of the male reproductive system in humans
• Frenulum of penis
• Linea nigra
• Raphe

Images

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  Stages in the development of the external sexual organs in the male and female
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  Perineal and scrotal raphe
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  Perineal raphe in female

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1237 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

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