Pelvic Floor Flashcards
What are the 3 functions of the pelvic floor?
- Supports the position of the female reproductive organs
- Provides voluntary muscle control of micturition and defecation
- Facilities birth by revisiting decent of the descending part. Plays an essential role in rotating the fetus during delivery
Name the 4 superficial muscles
External anal sphincter
Ischiocavernosus muscles
Bulbocavernosus muscles
Transverse perineal muscles
What does the External anal sphincter do
Encircles the anus and is attached posteriorly
What does the Ischiocavernosus muscles do?
Passes from the ischial tuberosity along the pubic arch
What does the Bulbocavernosus muscles do?
Passes from the perineum forwards around the vagina
What does the Transverse perineal muscles do?
Passes from the ischial tuberosity to the centre of the perineum
Name the 3 levator ani muscles
The pubococcygeus
The iliococcygeus
The ischiococcygeus
Where does the The pubococcygeus arise and pass to
Pubis to coccyx
Where does the The iliococcygeus pass from and to
The obturator internus muscles to the coccyx
Where does the The ischiococcygeus arise from and to
The ischial spine to the coccyx
What is the perineal body?
- a pyramid of muscle and fibrous tissue between the vagina and rectum
- it is the central point of the perineum and measure 4x4cm
- the base is covered by the perineal skin
What are the deep pelvic floor muscles known as
Lavator ani
What is the role of the perineal body?
Helps support the levator ani, it can become vulnerable during childbirth