Pelvic floor

The pelvic floor is a layered arrangement of muscles, connective tissues, and other structures that supports pelvic organs and closes the bottom of the pelvis. It also contributes to continence, sexual function, and childbirth.

Levator ani: A paired group of pelvic muscles forming most of the pelvic diaphragm. Its muscles provide much of the floor’s active support for pelvic organs.
Pelvis: The bony ring formed by the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx that connects the trunk to the lower limbs. The pelvic floor spans the lower opening of this bony framework.
Pelvic organ prolapse: Descent of one or more pelvic organs into or through the vaginal canal or toward the pelvic outlet. It can develop when pelvic support structures are weakened or injured.
Pelvic outlet: The inferior opening of the bony pelvis, bounded by the pubic arch, ischial structures, and coccyx. The outlet is the opening the pelvic floor closes, not the muscular floor itself.
Coccygeus muscle: A small paired muscle extending from the ischial spine to the coccyx and sacrum. It completes the muscular pelvic diaphragm behind the levator ani.
Endopelvic fascia: Connective tissue within the pelvis that supports and connects pelvic organs and surrounding structures. It contributes passive support alongside the floor’s muscles.
Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, classified by its pattern and underlying cause. Pelvic floor dysfunction can impair closure of the urinary outlet.
Abdominal wall: The layered muscles and connective tissues enclosing the front and sides of the abdominal cavity. It works with the pelvic floor to manage pressure but occupies a different body region.
Pelvic diaphragm: The muscular sheet formed mainly by the levator ani and coccygeus muscles. It is the principal muscular layer closing the pelvic outlet.
Perineal body: A central fibromuscular structure between the anal canal and urogenital openings. Several pelvic and perineal muscles attach to this central support point.

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