The pelvic floor (muscles) Flashcards
what does the pelvic viscera contain?
bladder, rectum, pelvic genital organs and terminal part of the urethra
where does the pelvic viscera reside?
within the pelvic cavity (or the true pelvis)
where is the pelvic cavity located?
within the lesser part of the pelvis, beneath the pelvic brim
what makes up the walls of the pelvic cavity?
A number of muscles
which muscles make up the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity?
the obterator internus and the pirrformis muscle
what else does the piriformis muscle form?
the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity
what do the pelvic floor muscles make up?
the inferior lining of the pelvic cavity
what is the pelvic floor also known as?
pelvic diaphragm
what is the pelvic floor?
a funnel-shaped musculature structure
what does the pelvic floor attach to?
attaches to the walls of the lesser pelvis
what does the pelvic floor separate?
separating the pelvic cavity from the inferior perineum
what is the inferior perineum? (content)
region which includes the genitalia and anus
what is present in the pelvic floor to allow for urination and defecation?
two ‘holes’:
urogenital hiatus
rectal hiatus
where is the urogenital hiatus?
An anteriorly situated gap
function of the urogenital hiatus?
allows passage of the urethra (and the vagina in females)
where is the rectal hiatus?
A centrally positioned gap
function of the rectal hiatus?
allows passage of the anal canal
what is between the urogenital hiatus and the anal canal?
lies a fibrous node known as the perineal body which joins the pelvic floor to the perineum
function of the pelvic floor muscles - floor of pelvic cavity?
important role in the correct functions of the pelvic and abdominal viscera
roles of pelvic floor muscles?
Support of abdominopelvic viscera
Resistance to increases in intra-pelvic/abdominal pressure
Urinary and fecal continence
what is within the abdominopelvic viscera?
bladder, intestines, uterus etc
how do pelvic floor muscles support the abdominopelvic viscera?
through their tonic contraction
when is Resistance to increases in intra-pelvic/abdominal pressure required?
during activities such as coughing or lifting heavy objects
how do pelvic floor muscles aid in Urinary and fecal continence?
The muscle fibers have a sphincter action on the rectum and urethra. They relax to allow urination and defecation
