Pelvic Floor

Question 1

what are the boundaries of the pelvic floor?

Answer 1

bounded by the genitals anteriorly, the anus posteriorly, and the thighs laterally

Question 2

what are the muscles of the perineum innervated by?

Answer 2

pedendal nerve or branches from the pudendal nerve

Question 3

how many walls does the pelvic floor have?

Answer 3

4

Question 4

name the walls of the pelvic floor

Answer 4

anteroinferior, a posterior, and two lateral pelvic walls; and an inferior pelvic wall

Question 5

which wall is considered the pelvic floor?

Answer 5

inferior pelvic wall

Question 6

what does the pelvic cavity primarily contain?

Answer 6

contains reproductive organs, the urinary bladder, the pelvic colon, and the rectum. The rectum is placed at the back of the pelvis, in the curve of the sacrum and coccyx; the bladder is in front, behind the pubic symphysis.

The pelvic cavity also contains major arteries, veins, muscles, and nerves. These structures have to work together in a little crowded space.

Question 7

Levator Ani

Answer 7

broad muscle surrounding the anus
Fx: elevates the perineum around the anus and constricts the anus
nn: pudendal

Question 8

Coccygeus

Answer 8

O: arising by its apex from the spine of the ischium and sacrospinous ligament
I: inserted by its base into the margin of the coccyx and into the side of the lowest piece of the sacrum.
nn: pudendal
Fx: In combination with the levator ani, it forms the pelvic diaphragm.
It assists the levator ani and piriformis in closing in the back part of the outlet of the pelvis

Question 9

what happens when the Levator Ani muscle relaxes?

Answer 9

EXPULSION! of fecal matter from the colon

Question 10

which muscles help to control the pressure within the pelvic cavity?

Answer 10

rectus abdominis

external obliques

Question 11

what are kegel exercises? and why are kegel exercises commonly done?

Answer 11

consists of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor, now sometimes colloquially referred to as the “Kegel muscles”.

Exercises are usually done to reduce urinary incontinence, reduce urinary incontinence after childbirth

Question 12

when might someone benefit from kegel exercises?

Answer 12

Leak a few drops of urine while sneezing, laughing or coughing
have a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before losing a large amount of urine (urinary incontinence)
Leak stool (fecal incontinence)

Question 13

when are kegel exercises not beneficial?

Answer 13

Kegel exercises aren’t helpful for women who unexpectedly leak small amounts of urine due to a full bladder (overflow incontinence).