The pelvic floor is characterized by a complex morphology because different functional systems join here. From the clinical point of view it is a borderland of several disciplines. Since a clear understanding of the pelvic floor region is crucial for both male and female pelvic surgery and for fundamental mechanisms of urogenital and /or ano-rectal

dysfunction and treatment, the authors present a morphological concept that is in accordance with actual clinical concepts. The reinterpreted anatomical concept is compared to classical morphological ideas and what is most important to functional considerations.

Since a clear understanding of the pelvic floor region is crucial for both male and female pelvic surgery and for fundamental mechanisms of urogenital and/or ano-rectal dysfunction and treatment, the authors present a morphological concept that is in accordance with actual clinical concepts. The reinterpreted anatomical concept is compared to classical morphological ideas and what is most important to functional considerations.

Introduction.- Morphological approaches for a spatial insight into the anatomy of the pelvic floor.- Subdivision of the pelvic floor.- Compartments.- Posterior Compartment.- Anterior Compartment.- Middle compartment.- Perineal body.- Connective tissue structures and muscles in the male.- Connective tissue structures and muscles in the female.- Reinterpreted anatomy, function and fundamentals of neuroanatomy.- Surgical, urological and obstetric relevance.- Box of terms and definitions.- Summary and conclusion.- Abbreviations within the figures.- References.- Subject index