The histological microstructure and in vitro mechanical properties of the human female postmenopausal perineal body
Language English Country United States Media print
Document type Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- MeSH
- Anal Canal MeSH
- Biomechanical Phenomena physiology MeSH
- Elastin analysis MeSH
- Muscle, Smooth anatomy & histology MeSH
- Collagen analysis MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal anatomy & histology MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cadaver MeSH
- Pelvic Floor anatomy & histology physiology surgery MeSH
- Perineum anatomy & histology physiology surgery MeSH
- Postmenopause physiology MeSH
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse physiopathology MeSH
- Elasticity physiology MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Adipose Tissue anatomy & histology MeSH
- Vagina MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Elastin MeSH
- Collagen MeSH
OBJECTIVE: The perineal body connects muscles from the pelvic floor and is critical for support of the lower part of the vagina and proper function of the anal canal. We determined mechanical parameters and volume fractions of main components of the human female postmenopausal perineal body. METHODS: The specimens were taken from 15 fresh female cadavers (age 74 ± 10, mean ± standard deviation). Seventy-five specimens from five regions of the perineal body were processed histologically to assess volume fractions of tissue components using stereological point testing grid. Fifteen specimens taken from the midline region were loaded uniaxially with 6 mm/min velocity until tissue rupture to determine Young's modulus of elasticity, ultimate stresses, and strains. RESULTS: The perineal body was composed of collagen (29%), adipose cells (27%), elastin (7%), smooth muscle (11%), and skeletal muscle (3%). The residual tissue (19%) constituted mostly peripheral nerves, lumina of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and fibrocytes. Young's modulus of elasticity at midline region was 18 kPa (median) at small and 232 kPa at large deformations, respectively. The ultimate stress was 172 kPa and the ultimate strain was 1.4. CONCLUSIONS: We determined the structural and mechanical parameters of the perineal body. The resultant data could be used as input for models simulating pelvic floor prolapse or dysfunction.
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