GENERAL INFORMATION
The levator ani is a broad, thin muscle located in the pelvic region. It is one of the muscles that make up the pelvic diaphragm. The levator ani muscle plays a vital role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence.
ORIGIN
This muscle has multiple origins:
- Puborectalis: Originates from the pubic bone.
- Pubococcygeus: Originates from the back of the pubis and the adjacent fascia.
- Iliococcygeus: Originates from the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia and the ischial spine.
INSERTION POINT
The muscle inserts into the coccyx (tailbone) and the anococcygeal raphe, a fibrous structure between the coccyx and the anus.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The levator ani muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the internal iliac artery, including the superior rectal artery and the internal pudendal artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
This muscle is innervated by the ventral rami of the lower sacral nerves (S3-S5) through the pudendal nerve.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points can develop in the levator ani muscle, causing localised pain and tenderness. These trigger points can be associated with muscle overuse, poor posture, or trauma.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Contraction of this muscle elevates the pelvic floor, supporting the pelvic organs and contributing to continence and stability.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
This muscle has a limited eccentric function during controlled relaxation of the pelvic floor and descent of the pelvic organs.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contraction of this muscle provides stability and support to the pelvic floor, maintaining proper alignment and preventing excessive movement.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Levator ani: A broad, thin muscle group comprising the puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus, forming a critical part of the pelvic floor.
ANTAGONIST
- Coccygeus muscle: A smaller muscle located on the pelvic floor opposing the action of the muscle by assisting in the support and lifting of the pelvic organs.
COMMON INJURIES
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Dysfunction or weakness of the levator ani muscle and other pelvic floor muscles can lead to issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or fecal incontinence.
EXERCISES
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises): Engaging and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, including the levator ani, through contraction and relaxation exercises.
- Squats: Compound exercise that activates the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the levator ani, along with the lower body muscles.
- Bridges: Exercise that engages the pelvic floor and core muscles, including the levator ani, by lifting the pelvis off the ground while lying on the back.
- Lunges: Dynamic exercise targeting the pelvic floor muscles and enhancing stability and strength.
- Planks: Core strengthening exercise that also engages the pelvic floor muscles for stability and support.
STRETCHES
- Child’s pose: Sitting back on the heels with the knees spread apart, and the torso folded forward, stretching the pelvic floor and levator ani muscle.
- Seated forward fold: Sitting with legs extended and folding the torso forward, reaching towards the toes, stretching the pelvic floor and levator ani muscle.
- Happy baby pose: Lying on the back, bringing knees towards the chest and holding the feet, stretching the pelvic floor and levator ani muscle.
- Pigeon pose: Stretching one leg behind while bending the other leg in front, targeting the pelvic floor and hip muscles.
- Deep squat: Lowering the body into a deep squat position, stretching the pelvic floor and levator ani muscle.