Pelvic Floor Muscles

Question 1

What functions does the pelvis have? (4)

Answer 1

(1) load transfer
(2) force production
(3) posture
(4) protection of viscera

Question 2

T/F Urinary incontinence is associated with an increase in falls.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

___ muscles make up the base of the pelvis.

Answer 3

26 muscles

Question 4

The urogenital triangle is made up of what two layers of muscles?

Answer 4

superficial and deep

Question 5

The ischiocavernosus muscle attaches to the ______ ______ and ______ of either penis or clitoris.

Answer 5

ischial tuberosity and crus of either penis or clitoris

Question 6

The bulbocavernosus muscle attaches to the ____ _____ and ______ ______.

Answer 6

pineal body and pubic symphysis

Question 7

The bulbospongiosus (males) muscle attaches to the _____ _____ and _____ of penis.

Answer 7

pineal body and dorsum of penis

Question 8

The superficial transverse perineal muscle attaches to the _____ _____ and ______ _______.

Answer 8

perineal body and ischial tuberosity

Question 9

What muscles make up the deep layer of the urogenital triangle? (2)

Answer 9

(1) deep transverse perineal
(2) sphincter urethrae

Question 10

What muscles make up the pelvic diaphragm? (2)

Answer 10

levator ani and coccygeus

Question 11

Which muscles make up the levator ani group/muscle? (3)

Answer 11

(1) puboccoccygeus
(2) iliococcygeus
(3) puborectalis

Question 12

What muscle from levator ani closes off and opens up the rectum when pooping?

Answer 12

pubococcygeus

Question 13

Where does the levatores ani originate and insert?

Answer 13

origin: dorsal surface of pubic bone, fascia of obturator, and ischial spine
insertion: anococcygeal body and perineal body

Question 14

What is the main action of the levator ani?

Answer 14

support pelvic viscera

Question 15

Where does the coccygeus or ischiococcygeus originate and insert?

Answer 15

origin: ischial spine and sacrospinous ligament
insertion: caudal part of sacrum and coccyx

Question 16

What are the actions of the coccygeus or ischiococcygeus? (3)

Answer 16

(1) flex coccyx
(2) stabilize SI joint
(3) support pelvic viscera

Question 17

Where does the obturator internus originate and insert? What is its action? (2)

Answer 17

origin: obturator membrane, pelvic brim, and obturator foramen
insertion: greater trochanter

Actions: externally rotate and extend hip, abduct a flexed hip while keeping femoral head in acetabulum

Question 18

What are the 4 normal functions of the pelvic floor? (hint: voluntary and involuntary actions)

Answer 18

(1) voluntary relaxation: able to relax on demand (descents from ventral position)
(2) voluntary contraction: moves ventrally and cranially during contraction
(3) involuntary contraction: contraction preceding increase in abdominal pressure
(4) voluntary relaxation: relaxation during defecation

Question 19

What pelvic floor dysfunctions might occur? (3)

Answer 19

(1) non-contracting/underactive (voluntary and/or involuntary)
(2) non-relaxing/overactive (voluntary and/or involuntary)
(3) non-contracting, non-relaxing

Question 20

What are the functions of the pelvic floor muscles? (5)

Answer 20

(1) sphincter (bowel and bladder)
(2) support pelvic organs
(3) sexual appreciation
(4) spine and bony pelvis stabilization
(5) sump pump

Question 21

What are common interventions during pelvic floor PT? (4)

Answer 21

(1) breathing
(2) strengthening, relaxation, or both of pelvic floor muscles
(3) stretching (i.e. yoga poses)
(4) manual therapy

Question 22

What are non-invasive ideas for assessment of the pelvic floor muscles? (2)

Answer 22

(1) external exam over clothes
(2) ultrasound imaging