Levator ani

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Levator ani

The Levator ani (pronounced: leh-VAH-tor AH-nee) is a broad, thin muscle located on either side of the pelvis. It is part of the pelvic floor and plays a crucial role in maintaining continence, supporting pelvic organs, and aiding in childbirth.

Etymology

The term "levator ani" is derived from Latin, with "levator" meaning "lifter" and "ani" referring to the "anus". Thus, the term can be translated as "lifter of the anus", which describes the muscle's function.

Anatomy

The levator ani is composed of three parts: the puborectalis, the pubococcygeus, and the iliococcygeus. These muscles form a broad, thin layer that supports the pelvic viscera and structures.

Puborectalis

The puborectalis is the most medial part of the levator ani. It originates from the posterior aspect of the pubic bone and loops around the rectum, forming a sling that maintains the anorectal angle.

Pubococcygeus

The pubococcygeus extends from the pubic bone to the coccyx. It helps to maintain urinary and fecal continence by supporting the pelvic organs and resisting increases in intra-abdominal pressure.

Iliococcygeus

The iliococcygeus, the most lateral part of the levator ani, attaches to the ischial spine and the coccyx. It aids in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence.

Function

The levator ani plays a crucial role in maintaining continence, supporting the pelvic organs, and aiding in childbirth. It resists increases in intra-abdominal pressure, preventing incontinence. During childbirth, it relaxes to allow the passage of the baby.

Related Terms

External links

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