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levator ani (ilio- & pubococcygeus {puborectalis})
Formed from iliococcygeus & pubococcygeus (puborectalis) muscles.
Origin:
1) posterior body of pubis
2) tendinous arch of the levator ani
3) spine of ischium
Insertion:
1) anococcygeal ligament
2) sides of the lower part of the sacrum & coccyx
Action:
1) resists prolapsing forces & draws the anus upward after defecation
2) support the pelvic viscera
Innervation: nerve to the levator ani (S4)
Related
ischiococcygeus (coccygeus)
pelvic diaphragm; urogenital diaphragm; pelvic floor
General
skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)
References
Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995
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