Muscles of Pelvic Floor:

The pelvic diaphragm is composed of two paired muscles.

• Levator ani

• Coccygeus

The Levator Ani muscle is a paired muscle and the principal muscle of the pelvic floor. It supports the pelvic content and actively maintains position of pelvic viscera (includes urinary organs, inferior part of the intestinal tract (rectum), the urinary bladder, and  parts of the ureters and reproductive system).

Components of the levator ani muscle:

• Pubococcygeus which is anterior part of the levator ani muscle and main contributor to the levator ani. It arises from the posterior body of the pubic bone and anterior part of the arcus tendineus. It runs posteriorly to attach to the anococcygeal ligament and the coccyx.

• Iliococcygeus which is posterior part of the levator ani. It is thin and poorly developed. It arises from the posterior part of the arcus tendineus and the ischial spine. it attaches to the anococcygeal raphe and the coccyx.

• Puborectalis which is a thickened band of muscle best seen inferior to the pubococcygeus. It unites with its partner to make a U-shaped sling around the rectum at its junction with the anus. It has a sphincter-like action by pulling the anorectal junction forward and contributing to anal continence.

The levator ani muscle originates on the inner surface of the side of the lesser pelvis. Its’ insertion is on the inner surface of coccyx, levator ani of opposite side, and into structures that penetrate it. The main function of this muscle is to support the viscera in pelvic cavity.