QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is a more centrally placed gap which allows the passage of the anal canal.
10014260
c
Rectal hiatus
QuestionChoice
The coccygeus muscle extends between the ischium of the hip bone, the sacrum and coccyx.
10014262
e
Coccygeus
QuestionChoice
The pelvic floor is a funnel-shaped structure separating the pelvic cavity from the perineum. The three main components of the pelvic floor are the Levator Ani muscles, the Coccygeus muscle and the fascial coverings of these muscles.
10014258
a
Pelvic Floor
QuestionChoice
This is a fibrous structure lying between the urogenital hiatus and anal canal which joins the pelvic floor to the perineum.
10014261
d
Perineal body
QuestionChoice
This is an anteriorly situated gap which allows passage of the urethra and the vagina in females.
10014259
b
Urogential hiatus
Concept
Chapter
## Summary

The pelvic floor is formed by **levator ani** and **coccygeus muscles**, and associated connective tissue. It supports the abdominal and pelvic viscera including the rectum, vagina, urethra and bladder.

## Muscles

The **transverse perineal muscles** attach to the inferior ischial ramus. There are superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, both innervated by the **pudendal nerve**. They play an important role in maintaining urinary continence.

**Coccygeus muscle** runs from the ischial spines to the lateral sacrum and coccyx.

**Levator ani** comprises three parts:

* **Puborectalis**: a U-shaped sling (the puborectal sling) that wraps around the anal canal with the main function of maintaining faecal continence.
* **Pubococcygeus**: runs from the body of the pubic bone to the coccyx and anococcygeal ligament
* **Iliococcygeus**: important for maintaining the integrity of the pelvic floor by keeping it in a raised position.

All three parts are innervated by the **anterior ramus of S4** and the **inferior rectal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2,S3,S4)**


## Hiatuses

The pelvic floor has two hiatuses:

* The urogenital hiatus allows the urethra (and vagina) to pass through the pelvic floor.
* The rectal hiatus allows the anal canal to pass through the pelvic floor.

## Clinical points

- Weakness of the lavator ani muscles may lead to faecal incontinence.
- General weakness of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to visceral prolapse through the hiatuses - i.e. uterine or rectal prolapse.
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Picture
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Pelvic floor.png
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5008
Pelvic floor
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
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Picture
1983
12 - Pelvic floor (Levator ani).png
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Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
Name the annotated structure below.

[lightgallery]
a