Objective: Numerous anatomical studies over the last years resulted in a principal shift in the view of the area of female pelvic fl oor. These studies also deal with the area of posterior compartment, i.e. a region which used to be of little interest to urogynecologists. This article presents a brief outline of anatomical and physiological knowledge as well as a brief survey of most important methods of examination and basic clinical symptoms associated with disorders of posterior part of hiatus urogenitalis. The presently accepted concept of a complex approach to disorders of female pelvic fl oor will probably require increased interest in this area among urogynecologists. The article is aimed at summarizing elementary knowledge necessary for adequate clinical care připoof patients suffering from disorder in posterior compartment function. Subject: Review article. Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, Faculty Hospital Na Bulovce, 1st Medical Faculty, Prague, Czech Republic

        Key words: pelvic fl oor, posterior compartment