The Pelvic Floor Flashcards
A first degree perineal tear includes…
Only the perineal skin (the skin between the vaginal opening and the rectum and the tissues directly beneath the skin)
A second degree tear involves…
The skin and muscle of the perineum and might extend deep into the vagina
A third degree year includes…
A tear that extends into the muscle that controls the anus (the anal sphincter)
A fourth degree tear includes…
Injury to the anal sphincter complex and the anal epithelium
The arteries and veins which supply the pelvic floor are called…
Pudendal
The nerves which supply the pelvic floor are called…
The third and fourth sacral nerves
The perineal body consists of…
- Puboccygeus muscle
- A layer of skin at the base
-Bulbocaverosus and transverse perineal muscles
What are the functions of the pelvic floor?
- Support organs
- Micturition
- Defaecation
- Sexual Intercourse
- Pregnancy
- Labour and Delivery
What does the deep muscle layer include?
- Pubococcygeus muscle
- Ilicoccygeus muscle
- Ischiococcygeus muscle
What is the function of the Puboccygeus muscle?
Supports the vagina and aids in the proper positioning of the foetus’s head
Where does the Pubococcygeus extend from?
It extends from the inner aspect of the pubic bone to the coccyx
What is the function of the Ilicoccygeus muscle?
It acts in association with the internal and external anal sphincter in the process of defecation
Where is the Ilicoccygeus located?
It extends from the inner aspect of the iliac bone and fibres from each side meet in the midline in the perineum, before extending to the coccyx
Where is the Ischioccygeus muscle?
Arises from the ischia spines and pass to the lower sacrum and upper coccyx
What is the function of the Ischiococcygeus muscle?
These muscles help support the sacroiliac and sacrococcygeal joints of the pelvis