Muscles of pelvis

The muscles of the pelvis can be broadly categorized into the pelvic diaphragm muscles and perineal muscles

Pelvic diaphragm muscles:

1. Levator Ani Muscle Group: This group includes the pubococcygeus, puboanalis (puborectalis), and iliococcygeus muscles. These muscles are crucial for supporting pelvic organs, maintaining continence, and facilitating childbirth.

2. Coccygeus Muscle: This muscle works in conjunction with the levator ani to form the pelvic diaphragm, providing support to the pelvic organs.[3]

Perineal muscles:

3. External Anal Sphincter: This muscle surrounds the anal canal and is essential for maintaining fecal continence.

4. Superficial Transverse Perineal Muscle: This muscle stabilizes the perineal body and supports the pelvic floor.

Some authors include in the muscles associated with the pelvic girdle (that belong to the muscles of lower limb in the Terminologia Anatomica) in the muscles of pelvis:

1. Obturator Internus: This muscle helps in the lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilizes the hip joint.

2. Piriformis: This muscle also assists in the lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilizes the hip joint.

3. Iliopsoas: Comprising the iliacus and psoas major muscles, this muscle group is a primary hip flexor.

4. Superficial gluteal muscles: Including the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus, these muscles are involved in the movement and stabilization of the hip and pelvis.

These muscles work in concert to provide structural support, facilitate movement, and maintain continence. Understanding their anatomy and function is essential for diagnosing and managing pelvic floor disorders