Pelvic diaphragm
Pelvic Diaphragm
The Pelvic Diaphragm is a muscular partition formed by the levatores ani, the coccygeus, and associated connective tissue which spans the area underneath the pelvis.
Pronunciation
Pelvic Diaphragm: /ˈpɛlvɪk ˈdaɪəfræm/
Etymology
The term "Pelvic Diaphragm" is derived from the Greek words "pelvis" meaning basin and "diaphragm" meaning partition.
Function
The main function of the Pelvic Diaphragm is to support the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder, intestines, and in females, the uterus. It also plays a key role in maintaining continence as part of the urinary and anal sphincters.
Anatomy
The Pelvic Diaphragm is composed of two main muscles: the levator ani and the coccygeus. The levator ani is the larger of the two, and is further divided into the pubococcygeus, the puborectalis, and the iliococcygeus. The coccygeus, also known as the ischiococcygeus, is a small muscle located behind the levator ani, closer to the tailbone (coccyx).
Related Terms
- Levator ani: One of the main muscles of the pelvic diaphragm.
- Coccygeus: The other main muscle of the pelvic diaphragm.
- Pelvis: The lower part of the torso, between the abdomen and the thighs.
- Diaphragm (anatomy): A sheet of internal skeletal muscle that extends across the bottom of the thoracic cavity.
- Urinary incontinence: A common condition that the pelvic diaphragm plays a role in managing.
- Pelvic floor: The muscular base of the abdomen, attached to the pelvis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pelvic diaphragm
- Wikipedia's article - Pelvic diaphragm
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