tears of the perineum /ters/ [ME, teren + Gk, perineos] , a rending of the tissues between the vulva and anus caused by overstretching of the vagina during child delivery. The degree of damage ranges from a tear of the superficial tissues without injury to the surrounding muscle to a rupture of the perineal skin, vaginal and rectal mucosa, and anal sphincter. The damage is usually repaired by surgery.
