MUSCLES OF FEMALE PELVIS

The muscles of the female pelvis play crucial roles in

supporting pelvic organs, maintaining urinary and fecal
continence, and facilitating childbirth. Here’s an overview:

1.Levator ani muscles: These are a group of muscles that form

the pelvic floor. They include:
Pubococcygeus muscle: Runs from the pubis to the coccyx
and supports the pelvic organs.
Puborectalis muscle: Forms a sling around the rectum and
helps maintain fecal continence.
Iliococcygeus muscle: Extends from the ischial spine to the
coccyx and supports the pelvic organs.

2.Coccygeus muscle (Ischiococcygeus): Located posterior to

the levator ani muscles, it helps support the pelvic organs and
assists in maintaining fecal continence.

3.Obturator internus muscle: Originates from the pelvis and

inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur. It assists in the
external rotation of the thigh and stabilizes the hip joint.
4.Piriformis muscle: Runs from the sacrum to the greater
trochanter of the femur. It helps in the external rotation and
abduction of the hip joint.

5.Urogenital diaphragm muscles: These muscles are located in

the anterior part of the pelvis and include:

External urethral sphincter: Surrounds the urethra and helps

control urinary flow.
Deep transverse perineal muscle: Located below the external
urethral sphincter, it supports the pelvic floor and assists in
urinary continence.
6.Psoas major and minor muscles: These muscles originate
from the lumbar vertebrae and insert into the femur. They flex
the hip joint and contribute to stabilizing the pelvis.

7.Rectus abdominis muscle: While not specifically within the

pelvis, it plays a role in stabilizing the pelvis and trunk,
especially during activities like childbirth and heavy lifting.

These muscles work together to support the pelvic organs,

maintain continence, facilitate childbirth, and stabilize the
pelvis during movement. Dysfunction or weakness in these
muscles can lead to pelvic floor disorders such as urinary
incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Physical therapy and pelvic floor exercises are often
prescribed to strengthen these muscles and improve their
function.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS IN FEMALE PELVIS

The female reproductive organs in the pelvis include:

Ovaries: Paired organs responsible for producing eggs (ova)

and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes): Tubes that transport eggs

from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization typically occurs in
the fallopian tubes.

Uterus (Womb): A pear-shaped organ where a fertilized egg

implants and develops into a fetus during pregnancy.

Cervix: The lower portion of the uterus that connects it to the

vagina. It produces mucus that changes consistency
throughout the menstrual cycle to facilitate or prevent sperm
passage.
Vagina: A muscular canal that connects the uterus to the
outside of the body. It serves as the birth canal during delivery
and receives sperm during intercourse.

Vulva: The external genitalia, which includes the mons pubis,

labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule (which
contains the openings of the urethra and vagina).

These organs work together in the female reproductive system

to facilitate ovulation, fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth.

FEMALE PELVIC FLOOR

The female pelvic floor refers to a complex network of
muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the
organs within the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and
rectum. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such
as supporting pelvic organs, maintaining urinary and fecal
continence, and facilitating sexual function.
1.Anatomy: The pelvic floor consists of several muscles
arranged in layers. The deepest layer includes the Levator ani
muscles, which include the pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus,
and puborectalis muscles. These muscles form a sling-like
structure that supports the pelvic organs.

2.Function: The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in

various bodily functions, including:
Supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence
(control over bladder and bowel movements).
Providing stability to the pelvis and spine.
Assisting in sexual function and childbirth by contracting
during orgasm and relaxing during childbirth.
3.Pelvic Floor Disorders: Dysfunction of the pelvic floor
muscles can lead to various conditions, including:

.Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine.

Fecal incontinence: Involuntary leakage of stool.
Pelvic organ prolapse: Descent of one or more pelvic organs
(bladder, uterus, rectum) into the vaginal canal due to
weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic pain: Discomfort or pain in the pelvic region, often due
to muscle tension or dysfunction.
4.Causes of Dysfunction: Pelvic floor disorders can result
from several factors, including pregnancy and childbirth,
aging, hormonal changes, obesity, chronic constipation,
repetitive heavy lifting, and certain medical conditions or
surgeries.

5.Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis of pelvic floor

disorders often involves a physical examination, medical
history review, and sometimes imaging tests like MRI or
ultrasound. Treatment options may include pelvic floor
muscle exercises (Kegels), lifestyle modifications, behavioral
therapies, medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

6.Preventive Measures: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle,

practicing pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy
weight, and addressing any underlying medical conditions can
help prevent pelvic floor dysfunction.

7.Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Specialized physical therapy

can help strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles,
improve muscle coordination, and alleviate symptoms
associated with pelvic floor disorders.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Managing pelvic floor disorders

often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving
healthcare providers such as gynecologists, urologists,
colorectal surgeons, physical therapists, and psychologists to
address the complex nature of these conditions.

Overall, the female pelvic floor is a critical anatomical

structure with various functions, and maintaining its health is
essential for overall well-being and quality of life.