Anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles

The pelvic floor muscles extend from the pubic bone to the coccyx on both sides. These muscles, often referred to as the core, maintain stability of the spine and support the organs located in the pelvis.

Both men and women can suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects the bladder, vagina, prostate, and rectum, due to damaged or weakened pelvic floor muscles. There are several ways to treat symptoms related to the pelvic floor muscles.

This article describes the anatomy, functions, and conditions associated with the pelvic floor muscles.

anatomy

The pelvic floor muscles separate the pelvic cavity from the perineum or perineal region (the area between the genitals and anus). Two gaps or holes in the muscle allow passage of the urethra and vagina (in women), and another gap is used for the anal canal. Pelvic floor muscles attach to and support the bony pelvis and spine.

structure and location

The pelvic floor, also known as the pelvic diaphragm, is funnel-shaped and is made up of two sets of muscles: the levator ani muscles and the levator ani muscles. coccyx logic. There is also a thin layer of connective tissue called fascia that covers the pelvic floor muscles.

The levator ani muscle is made up of three muscles:

• puborectalis muscle: forms. U It adjusts the shape around the anal canal and contributes to fecal control (ability to control defecation).
• iliococcygeus muscle: When attached to the coccyx, perineal body, and abdomen, it lifts the pelvic floor and anorectal canal. anal coccyx ligament
• pubococcygeus: It makes up the majority of the levator ani muscles and is located in the pelvic floor between the puborectalis and iliococcygeus muscles, and is responsible for the stability and support of the abdominal and pelvic organs.

The coccygeus muscle lies behind the levator ani muscle and is triangular in shape. This small muscle supports the pelvic organs, which consist of the genitals, bladder, and rectum.

anatomical changes

One study found that the shape of your pelvic floor muscles may correspond to your age, weight-for-height, and the size of your lower pelvic canal. Age tends to affect pelvic floor anatomy in women more than in men. Additionally, childbirth can damage your pelvic floor muscles and change your anatomy.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is also thought to be related to anatomical variations that affect how the puborectalis muscle engages the urethra.

function

The function of the pelvic floor muscles is to provide stability to the trunk, resist intra-abdominal/pelvic pressure when coughing or lifting, maintain proper position of the pelvic organs, and provide sensation to the pelvic floor, including the reproductive organs. It’s about giving.

motor function

Pelvic floor muscles are voluntary and can contract and relax under conscious control. When the pelvic floor muscles contract, they tighten the openings of the urethra, vagina, and rectum and lift the pelvic organs.

Relaxing your pelvic floor muscles makes it easier to urinate and defecate. As with most voluntary muscles, some exercises can improve the motor function of the pelvic floor muscles.

sensory function

pelvis visceral also called nerve Nervi Eligentes, supplies sensory functions to the pelvic organs and pelvic floor muscles. Visceral nerves originating from the sacral nerve roots assist in urination, defecation, sexual arousal, orgasm, and ejaculation. Chronic pelvic pain also originates from the pelvic nerves.

The main nerve of the pelvic floor muscles is the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerves are bilateral (both sides of the body) and arise from the sacral plexus. The pudendal nerve is involved in the contraction of the urethra and anal sphincter muscles and provides sensory information to the penis, vagina, perineum, and anus. Damage to the pudendal nerve can cause pelvic pain, numbness, and pelvic organ dysfunction.

Related conditions

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) are a group of conditions caused by weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. Approximately 47% of women have at least one of their PFDs. Pregnancy, childbirth, radiation, surgery, aging, and obesity are common causes. PFD caused by dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles includes:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): when the pelvic organs (uterus, cervix, vagina, prostate, bladder, urethra, rectum) fall out of their normal position.
• cystocele: When the bladder prolapses into the vaginal canal
• enterocele:When the small intestine bulges into the vagina
• Rectocele: a condition in which the rectum protrudes into the vagina
• Urinary incontinence: Unintentional loss of urine from the bladder.
• pelvic pain
• Sexual dysfunction: inability to become aroused, reach orgasm, or ejaculate

process

Treatment of PFD can be difficult depending on the cause. Ways to treat PFD include:

• Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Keeping your pelvic floor muscles strong can help prevent urinary incontinence and keep your pelvic organs in place. Kegel exercises involve tightening and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation: Techniques such as massage, biofeedback, electrical nerve stimulation, and the use of pessaries may help treat PFD.
• Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising, drinking enough fluids, and eating a diet rich in fiber can help prevent constipation and bowel incontinence associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pelvic pain, and laxatives relieve constipation and improve the side effects of PFD.
• Surgery: Surgery may not be able to cure PFD, but it can treat the consequences of the disorder. Surgical correction of organ prolapse can provide comfort to people with PFD and preserve the function of pelvic organs.

Not all treatments for PFD are safe. Kegel exercises may be contraindicated in people with pelvic floor muscle injuries. Therefore, always consult your health care provider before treating PFD.

summary

Pelvic floor muscles are essential for urinating, defecating, sexual pleasure, and supporting the pelvic organs. Located at the bottom of the pelvis, the levator ani muscles make up the largest portion of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic splanchnic nerve supplies motor and sensory information to the pelvic floor muscles.

Weakness or damage to the pelvic floor muscles can lead to pelvic disorders that require treatment. Talk to your health care provider if you have symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, such as pelvic pain, urinary or bowel incontinence, or inability to enjoy sex.