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Pelvic floor: anatomy and function.

A E Bharucha1

  • 1Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (C.E.N.T.E.R.), Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. bharucha.adil@mayo.edu

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|June 15, 2006
PubMed
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This review details the pelvic floor and anal sphincters, crucial for controlling bowel and bladder function. Understanding their anatomy and nerve supply is key to addressing continence and defecation disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Urology
  • Neuroscience
  • Anatomy

Background:

  • The pelvic floor and anal sphincters are vital for urinary and fecal continence.
  • Their complex anatomy and dual nerve supply regulate storage and evacuation functions.
  • Dysfunction can lead to significant defecatory and continence disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of the anatomy, nerve supply, pharmacology, and functions of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying fecal continence and defecation.
  • To highlight the potential causes of fecal incontinence and functional defecatory disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological studies.
  • Analysis of the neural regulation of the anorectum.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Synthesis of information on the roles of internal and external anal sphincters.

    • Main Results:

    • The internal anal sphincter maintains resting tone for continence at rest.
    • The external anal sphincter provides voluntary control when continence is threatened.
    • Defecation involves a somato-visceral reflex influenced by somatic and autonomic nerve supply.
    • Sympathetic stimulation increases, while cholinergic stimulation decreases, anal resting pressure.

    Conclusions:

    • Structural and functional integrity of the pelvic floor and anal sphincters are essential for normal defecation and continence.
    • Disruptions in these mechanisms can result in fecal incontinence and functional defecatory disorders.
    • Further understanding of these structures aids in diagnosing and managing related conditions.