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Levator ani muscle anatomy evaluated by origin-insertion pairs.
Rohna Kearney1, Raja Sawhney, John O L DeLancey
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 2, 2004
Summary
This study clarifies levator ani muscle terminology by analyzing anatomical descriptions. Standardizing terms for the levator ani muscle divisions can resolve existing confusion in scientific literature.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Pelvic Floor Anatomy
- Musculoskeletal System
Background:
- The levator ani muscle is crucial for pelvic floor support.
- Existing literature presents significant confusion in terminology for levator ani muscle components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze published descriptions of the levator ani muscle.
- To propose standardized terminology for levator ani muscle divisions to resolve descriptive inconsistencies.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a MEDLINE search for "levator ani" in human female studies.
- Reviewed references and included studies with direct observations and detailed origin-insertion descriptions in over 5 female specimens.
- Analyzed 265 studies, identifying 12 qualifying articles.
Main Results:
- Identified 5 consistent origin-insertion pairs for the levator ani muscle across studies.
- Documented the use of 16 different terms for these 5 muscle components.
- Found labeled illustrations provided clearer anatomical detail than text alone.
Conclusions:
- Despite diverse terminology, the number of levator ani muscle origin-insertion pairs is consistent.
- Standardizing terminology is essential to avoid confusion in describing levator ani muscle anatomy.