superficial perineal muscles
- External Anal Sphincter
- Perineal body
- Acts as a “hub” for superficial muscle
- Transversus Perinei Superficialis
- Most commonly cut during episiotomy
- Ischiocavernosus
- Involved in female sexual response and helps keep penis erect
- Bulbospongiosus
- Involved in female sexual response and helps keep penis erect
deep perineal muscles - pelvic diaphragm
LEVATOR ANI
- Pubococcygeus: muscle arising from the pubis and its superior ramus. It passes posteriorly to insert into the anococcygeal body between the coccyx and the anal canal. Its function include: pulling the coccyx forward, elevating the pelvic organs and compressing the rectum and vagina.
- Puborectalis: muscle arising from the pubis. It forms a sling around the junction of the rectum and the anal canal. Its function include: pulling the anorectal junction anteriorly, assisting the external sphincter in anal closure.
- Iliococcygeus: muscle arising from the arcus tendineus and ischial spine and inserting onto the last segment of the coccyx and anococcygeal body. Its function include: pulling the coccyx from side to side and elevating the rectum.
- Muscle arising from the pelvic surface of the ischial spine and sacrospinous ligament. It inserts on the coccyx margin and side of the lowest segment of the sacrum. Its function include: pulling forward and supporting the coccyx, providing support for the pelvic contents and the sacroiliac joint.
References
- Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 2 ed: McGraw-Hill, Medical Publishing Division; 2008.
- http://incontinet.com/kegelpix.htm
- http://www.smithinstituteforurology.com/patient_pelvic_floor.html