Pelvic Floor

Question 1

What are the 3 functions of the pelvic floor?

Answer 1

1. Supports the position of the female reproductive organs
2. Provides voluntary muscle control of micturition and defecation
3. Facilities birth by revisiting decent of the descending part. Plays an essential role in rotating the fetus during delivery

Question 2

Name the 4 superficial muscles

Answer 2

External anal sphincter
Ischiocavernosus muscles
Bulbocavernosus muscles
Transverse perineal muscles

Question 3

What does the External anal sphincter do

Answer 3

Encircles the anus and is attached posteriorly

Question 4

What does the Ischiocavernosus muscles do?

Answer 4

Passes from the ischial tuberosity along the pubic arch

Question 5

What does the Bulbocavernosus muscles do?

Answer 5

Passes from the perineum forwards around the vagina

Question 6

What does the Transverse perineal muscles do?

Answer 6

Passes from the ischial tuberosity to the centre of the perineum

Question 7

Name the 3 levator ani muscles

Answer 7

The pubococcygeus
The iliococcygeus
The ischiococcygeus

Question 8

Where does the The pubococcygeus arise and pass to

Answer 8

Pubis to coccyx

Question 9

Where does the The iliococcygeus pass from and to

Answer 9

The obturator internus muscles to the coccyx

Question 10

Where does the The ischiococcygeus arise from and to

Answer 10

The ischial spine to the coccyx

Question 11

What is the perineal body?

Answer 11

• a pyramid of muscle and fibrous tissue between the vagina and rectum
• it is the central point of the perineum and measure 4x4cm
• the base is covered by the perineal skin

Question 12

What are the deep pelvic floor muscles known as

Answer 12

Lavator ani

Question 13

What is the role of the perineal body?

Answer 13

Helps support the levator ani, it can become vulnerable during childbirth