Levator Ani

Description

Anatomical drawing of the levator ani muscle.

Pelvic floor anatomy showing the components of levator ani muscle

Name

• Levator Ani

General

• Broad muscular sheet located in the pelvis
• Works together with Coccygeus to form the Pelvic Diaphragm
• Collection of 3 muscles: puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus

Function

• Stabilizes the abdominal and pelvic organs
• Controls opening/closing of levator hiatus, preserving ureteral and bowel continence

Puborectalis

• Also known as puboanalis
• Origin: Posterior surface of bodies of pubic bones
• Insertion: None, forms 'puborectal sling' posterior to rectum

Pubococcygeus

• Origin: posterior surface of bodies of pubic bones (lateral to puborectalis)
• Insertion: Anococcygeal ligament, Coccyx, Perineal body and musculature of prostate/ vagina

Iliococcygeus

• Origin: Tendinous arch of interal obturator fascia, Ischial spine
• Insertion: Anococcygeal ligament, Coccyx

Innervation

• Nerve to Levator Ani (S4)
• Pudendal Nerve
  • Pubococcygeus also receives branches via inferior rectal/ perineal branches

Vascular Supply

• Inferior gluteal
• Inferior vesical
• Pudendal arteries

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Clinical Significance

• Pelvic Floor Instability

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See Also

• Pelvic Pain Main
• Pelvic Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Pelvis

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