Pelvic floor
Defination
The pelvic floor or diaphragm is amuscular floor that
demarcates the pelvic cavity and perineum.
Its strength is inforced by its associated condesed pelvic fascia
it is important for pelvic organs protection.
Muscle of the pelvic floor
LEVATOR ANI MUSCLES
Levanter ani muscles are arising from the lateral pelvic wall and decussate in the midline between the urethra, the Vagina and rectum
Pubococygeous muscle
It contains pubococcygeous muscle, ileo coccygeus and pubo rectalis
Pubococygeous muscle is constructed in such away thait can expand enough for child bith and contract the pelvis supported
Functions of the pelvic floor
It supports the weight of the abdominal and pelvic organs
The muscles are responssible for the voluntary control ofmicturation, defication and
play an important part in sexual
intercourse.
It infulences the passive movement of the fetus through the
birth canal and relaxes to allow its exit from the pelvis.
Pathophysiology
The pelvic floor consists of several components lying between the peritoneum and the vulvar skin.
From above downward,these are the peritoneum, pelvic viscera and endopelvic fascia, levator ani muscles, perineal membrane, and superficial genital muscle.
The support for all these structurescomes from connections to the bony pelvis and its attached muscles.
The viscera are of ten thought of as being supported by the pelvic floor, but are actually a part of it.
Location
The pelvic floor is the base of the group of muscles referred to as your 'core
These muscles are located in your pelvis, and stretch like a trampoline or hammock from the pubic bone to the coccyx or tail-bone .