Pelvic Diaphragm

Question 1

What shape is the pelvic diaphragm

Answer 1

Funnel-shaped

Question 2

What is the extent of the pelvic diaphragm

Answer 2

Extends from:

• Body of Pubis to coccyx
• Lateral wall to lateral wall

Question 3

What does the pelvic diaphragm separate

Answer 3

Pelvic cavity from the perineum inferiorly

Question 4

What does the pelvic diaphragm transmit?

Answer 4

Urethra
Vagina
Anal Canal

Question 5

What are the two main muscles of the pelvic diaphragm

Answer 5

Levator ani

Coccygeus

Question 6

Describe the Levator Ani Muscle

Answer 6

Paired Muscle
Principal muscle of the pelvic floor
Actively maintains position of pelvic viscera

Question 7

What are the muscles components that make up the Levator Ani

Answer 7

Pubococcygeus
Iliococcygeus
Puborectalis
Levator Prostate / Pubovaginalis

Question 8

What are the relations of the puborectalis

Answer 8

Medial and inferior to pubococcygeus

Question 9

How does the structure of the puborectalis aid in its function

Answer 9

Forms a “U” sling on the anorectal junction
Aids in defecation
Augments (adds to) anal sphincter

Question 10

What are the origins and insertions of the Levator Ani

Answer 10

Origin:
Pubis along to Ischial Spine
Tendinous arch

Insertion:
Perineal body
Wall of anal canal
Anococcygeal Ligament
Coccyx

Question 11

What is the innervation of the Levator Ani

Answer 11

S3-s4

This is a somatic innervation but exits as a typical spinal nerve, also carrying some autonomic innervation

Question 12

What are the functions of the coccygeus musle

Answer 12

Reinforces pelvic floor posteriorly

Question 13

What are the origins and insertions of teh coccygeus muscle

Answer 13

Origin:
Ischial spine

Insertion:

• Lower two sacral segments
• Upper two coccygeal segments

Question 14

Which ligament does the coccygeus muscle blend with

Answer 14

Sacrospinous Ligament

On it’s external surface

Question 15

What is the innervation of the coccygeus muscle

Answer 15

S4-S5

Question 16

Describe the pelvic fascia

Answer 16

Lines the pelvic cavity

Split into two layers:

• Parietal Pelvic Fascia
• Visceral Pelvic Fascia

Has a thickening that makes up the Tendinous Arch

Question 17

What are the functions of the pelvic floor

Answer 17

Increases abdominal pressure
Helps coughing
Sneezing
Urinating
Defecating
Lifting heavy objects
Control of micturation
supports pelvic viscera