Space
Pudendal (Alcock's) canal
A fascial route for the pudendal neurovascular bundle
High-yield
The standard contents are pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels. The nerve to obturator internus follows a separate nearby course rather than being a routine canal content.
Overview
The pudendal canal runs along the lateral ischioanal region beside obturator internus. After passing around the ischial spine and through the lesser sciatic foramen, the pudendal nerve and vessels travel anteriorly in this fascial corridor. Their branches distribute to anal and urogenital territories.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- A fascial corridor along the medial side of obturator internus in the lateral ischioanal wall; surrounding fascia connects with sacrotuberous tissue.
- Contents
- Pudendal nerve and its variable branches, internal pudendal artery and accompanying veins.
- Communications
- Posteriorly relates to the lesser sciatic passage; anteriorly continues toward urogenital structures, while inferior rectal branches pass medially across the ischioanal region.
Clinical correlation
Pudendal nerve compression may occur in or near the canal, with pain often aggravated by sitting. Symptoms are not specific to this one site, and anatomical branching and fascial relationships vary.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the pudendal (Alcock's) canal?
A fascial corridor along the medial side of obturator internus in the lateral ischioanal wall; surrounding fascia connects with sacrotuberous tissue.
What does the pudendal (Alcock's) canal contain?
The pudendal (Alcock's) canal contains the pudendal nerve and its variable branches, internal pudendal artery and accompanying veins.
What does the pudendal (Alcock's) canal communicate with?
Posteriorly relates to the lesser sciatic passage; anteriorly continues toward urogenital structures, while inferior rectal branches pass medially across the ischioanal region.