Key Functions and Clinical Significance of the Bulbocavernosus Muscle
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The Bulbocavernosus muscle, also identified as the Bulbospongiosus muscle, is a perineum muscular tube between the anus and the genitals. In males, it encloses the penis bulb and it can be contracted to eject the last droplets of urine or gametes. It is divided into halves in the female and extends from just behind the clitoris to the central tendon of the perineum, constricting the vagina.
Bulbospongiosus is a paired pelvic floor muscle. It shares the superficial perineal space (pouch) with the ischiocavernosus and superficial transverse perineal muscles. Bulbospongiosus is a sexually dimorphic muscle, which means it differs between sexes. It is wrapped around the bulb of the penis and the corpus spongiosum in males, and the vaginal orifice in females.
This muscle's function in both sexes is based on its compressive actions on the erectile tissues it surrounds. In males, it assists urination, ejaculation, as well as erection, whereas in females, it facilitates clitoris erection as well as the emptying of the greater vestibular glands. Furthermore, in both sexes, bulbospongiosus supports the perineal body.
Origin and Insertion
Males and females have different bulbospongiosus attachments. The muscle in males is made up of two parts that are joined at the median fibrous raphe of the penis. Furthermore, the fibres originate from a number of surrounding structures, including the perineal body, the superficial transverse perineal muscle, and the external anal sphincter. The fibres extend superolaterally from the raphe to attach to various structures of the penis.
Posterior fibres connect to the perineal membrane.
The muscle's central portion surrounds the bulb of the penis and the corpus cavernosum and ends by blending with the dorsal surfaces of their respective fasciae.
The anterior part covers the sides of the corpora cavernosa, interjecting to their dorsolateral sides, as well as the tendinous enlargement that encompasses the dorsal vessels of the penis.
The two parts of the muscle in females are distinct from one another. They both start from the anterior surface of the perineal body and run down each side of the vagina. Both parts are inserted into the clitoris corpora cavernosa.
Relation
The bulbospongiosus muscle is found in both sexes in the superficial perineal space of the perineum, anterior to the perineal body. The muscle covers the bulb of the penis and the corpora cavernosa in males. It is found on both sides of the vaginal orifice in females, covering the vestibule bulbs.
It forms a triangular space filled with adipose tissue with the ischiocavernosus and the superficial transverse perineal muscle. Bulbospongiosus, like these two muscles, is embedded in the deep perineal fascia (of Gallaudet).
Bulbocavernosus Muscle Function
Bulbospongiosus aids in the emptying of the penile urethra during urination and ejaculation in males. It compresses the bulb of the penis and the deep dorsal vein of the penis with the ischiocavernosus muscle. This causes a blockage of venous drainage from the penis and, as a result, penile erection.
It aids in the emptying of the greater vestibular glands in females by constricting the vaginal orifice. The anterior fibres compress the deep dorsal vein of the clitoris, facilitating clitoris erection.
Bulbocavernosus Exercises
Men can benefit from kegel exercises as well. They help to nourish the bulbocavernosus muscle particularly. This vital muscle serves three functions: it allows the penis to engorge with blood during erection, it pumps during ejaculation, and it aids in the emptying of the urethra following urination.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to maintain an erection, affects many men for a variety of reasons. Physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and low testosterone are frequently to blame. Other possible causes include psychological problems, blood flow issues, hormonal fluctuations, and nerve damage.
The use of medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) to treat ED is not your only option. There are exercises you can do instead.
According to a study conducted by the University of the West in the United Kingdom, pelvic exercises helped 40 percent of men with ED regain normal erectile function. They also assisted another 33.5 percent in significantly improving erectile function. According to additional research, pelvic muscle training may be beneficial in the treatment of ED as well as other pelvic health issues.
The exercises for the pelvic floor improves the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises are more oftenly called Kegel exercises. Women do Kegels to prepare for childbirth and to regain the tone of muscles after childbirth. Kegels also promote urinary continence and sexual health.
Basic Kegel Exercise
Stopping your stream several times in the middle of urination is the best method for locating the muscles of the pelvic floor (the lower pelvis). The muscles you clench to do this are the ones you should work on.
Squeeze those muscles, hold for five seconds, and then relax to perform a rep of Kegel exercises. Repeat 10 to 20 times a day, two or three times a day. You might want to try it in a variety of positions, such as lying down with your knees up, sitting in a chair, and standing.
FAQs on Bulbocavernosus Muscle Explained: Structure, Function & Importance
1. What exactly is the bulbocavernosus muscle and where is it located?
The bulbocavernosus muscle, also known as bulbospongiosus, is a superficial muscle of the perineum. The perineum is the area between the genitals and the anus. This muscle is present in both males and females, wrapping around the base of the genitals.
2. What are the main functions of the bulbocavernosus muscle in males?
In males, this muscle plays several important roles related to reproductive and urinary functions. Its main functions are:
- Ejaculation: It contracts to expel semen from the urethra.
- Maintaining Erection: It helps maintain an erection by compressing a deep vein, which traps blood in the penis.
- Urination: It helps to expel the final drops of urine from the urethra after urination.
3. Do females also have a bulbocavernosus muscle, and what is its role?
Yes, females also have a bulbocavernosus muscle. In females, it separates to surround the vaginal opening. Its primary functions are to constrict the vaginal opening and assist in the erection of the clitoris by pushing blood into it. It also contributes to the overall strength of the pelvic floor.
4. What are some simple exercises to help strengthen the bulbocavernosus muscle?
The most effective exercises for strengthening the bulbocavernosus muscle are Kegel exercises. To perform a Kegel, you squeeze the muscles you would use to stop the flow of urine. Hold the contraction for 3-5 seconds, then relax for 3-5 seconds. Repeating this regularly helps build strength in the entire pelvic floor, including this specific muscle.
5. How does strengthening this muscle help with health issues like erectile dysfunction or urinary control?
Strengthening the bulbocavernosus muscle directly improves its ability to perform its core functions. For erectile dysfunction, a stronger muscle can better compress the vein that keeps blood in the penis, leading to stronger and longer-lasting erections. For urinary control, a well-toned muscle provides better support and control over the urethra, preventing leakage.
6. What could cause weakness or pain in the bulbocavernosus muscle?
Weakness or pain in this muscle can result from several factors. Common causes include nerve damage from surgery or conditions like diabetes, direct injury to the perineal area, chronic straining, or the natural process of ageing. A weakened muscle can lead to issues like urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
7. What is the bulbocavernosus reflex and why is it medically important?
The bulbocavernosus reflex is an automatic contraction of this muscle when the glans of the penis or clitoris is squeezed. Its presence is a quick test used by doctors to check the integrity of the lower spinal cord. If the reflex is absent, it can indicate a spinal cord injury or nerve damage, which is crucial information after an accident or during diagnosis of neurological disorders.
