The perineum (per-uh-NEE-um) is the area of smooth skin between the vaginal opening and the anus (the sphincter through which bowel movements pass). The perineal tissue is endowed with nerve endings and is sensitive to touch. During childbirth, an incision called an episiotomy is sometimes made in the perineum to prevent the ragged
Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
tearing of tissues that can occur when the newborn passes through the birth canal. We will discuss this in more detail in Chapter 11.