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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.
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Posterior fibres connect to the perineal membrane.
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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.
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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.