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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:41
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
[Functional anatomy of the pelvic floor]
1Département d'Anatomie, Université Val-de-Marne Paris-12, 8 rue du Général-Sarrail, 94000 Créteil, France. rene.yiou@hmn.aphp.fr
Summary
The pelvic floor, primarily the levator ani muscle, supports pelvic organs. Its structure and innervation are crucial for pelvic static and dynamic functions, but it
Area of Science:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pelvic Floor Musculature
- Biomechanics
Context:
- The pelvic floor provides essential support for pelvic viscera.
- The levator ani muscle (LA), composed of pubo- and ilio-coccygeus bundles, is the main component.
- LA muscle fibers are predominantly type I, indicating high oxidative capacity and susceptibility to injury.
Purpose:
- To detail the anatomical structures comprising the pelvic floor and perineum.
- To explain the role of these structures in maintaining pelvic static and dynamic functions.
- To highlight the susceptibility of the levator ani muscle to injury due to its metabolic profile and innervation.
Summary:
- The pelvic floor's integrity relies on the levator ani muscle (LA), perineal structures, and pelvic fascia.
- Pelvic statics are maintained by the coordinated action of these anatomical components and the angles of pelvic viscera.
- Pelvic dynamics involve modifications of these angles, reflecting musculofascial activity and innervation from sacral roots.
Impact:
- Understanding pelvic floor anatomy is vital for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting pelvic organ support and function.
- Knowledge of LA muscle physiology and innervation aids in understanding denervation effects and injury mechanisms.
- This detailed anatomical description provides a foundation for research into pelvic floor disorders and therapeutic interventions.
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