Describe The Structure And Function Of The Pelvic Floor Muscles

5 important functions of the pelvic floor muscles.

Describe the structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor has two inherently conflicting functions. Changes in their function and strength can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary or faecal incontinence pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain. It connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs.

Without the action of the pelvic floor the process of birth would be much more complicated. In this article we shall look at the anatomy of the pelvic girdle its bony landmarks functions and its clinical relevance. The pelvic girdle is a ring like bony structure located in the lower part of the trunk.

The pelvic floor is primarily made up of thick skeletal muscles along with nearby ligaments and their investing fascia. The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is composed of muscle fibers of the levator ani the coccygeus muscle and associated connective tissue which span the area underneath the pelvis the pelvic diaphragm is a muscular partition formed by the levatores ani and coccygei with which may be included the parietal pelvic fascia on their upper and lower aspects. This cavity encloses the pelvic viscera bladder intestines and uterus in females.

To support the abdominal and pelvic viscera. It attaches to the walls of the lesser pelvis separating the pelvic cavity from the perineum inferiorly region which includes the genitalia and anus. The main function of the pelvic floor muscles are.

The structure of the muscles is such that they can expand and contract to support the uterus and the rest of the female reproductive system as the child travels through the birth canal. In order to allow for urination and defecation there are a few gaps in the pelvic floor. The other is to control the openings of the rectum and urogenital organs that pierce the pelvic floor and make it weaker.

The pelvic floor muscles pfm are found in the base of the pelvis. When there is an increase in abdominal pressure for example when you cough sneeze laugh or jump these muscles contract around your urethra and anus to prevent leakage. The muscles of the pelvic floor wrap around and control the opening of your bladder and rectum.