Atlas of Human Anatomy by Netter

[Plate 342, Pelvic Viscera and Perineum: Female]

Pelvic Floor

Formed by the pelvic diaphragm

Funnel-shaped

Muscular partition from the pubis to the coccyx and from lateral wall to lateral wall

Separates pelvic cavity from perineum inferiorly

Transmits urethra, vagina (in females) and anal canal

Muscles of Pelvic Floor
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The pelvic diaphragm is composed of two paired muscles

Levator ani

Coccygeus

Levator ani muscle

Paired muscle

Principal muscle of pelvic floor

Supports pelvic contents

Actively maintains position of pelvic viscera

Arcus tendineus: a thickened line of the fascia over the obturator internus muscles running in an arching line from the pubis to the ischial

spine

Central perineal tendon or perineal body

A fibromuscular body extending from the perineum into the urogenital hiatus

The site of numerous muscle attachments in the perineum

Components of the levator ani muscle

Pubococcygeus

Is anterior part of levator ani

Main contributor to the levator ani

Arises from the posterior body of the pubic bone and anterior part of the arcus

Tendineus

Runs posteriorly to attach to the anococcygeal ligament and the coccyx