GENERAL INFORMATION
The pubococcygeus is a muscle located in the pelvic region. It is one of the muscles that make up the levator ani, which forms the pelvic diaphragm. The pubococcygeus muscle plays a vital role in supporting the pelvic organs as well as maintaining continence.
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from the back of the pubis and the adjacent fascia.
INSERTION POINT
The muscle inserts into the coccyx (tailbone) and the anococcygeal raphe, a fibrous structure between the coccyx as well as the anus.
MAJOR ARTERIES
This muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the internal iliac artery, including the superior rectal artery and the internal pudendal artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The pubococcygeus 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 pubococcygeus 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 the pubococcygeus muscle provides stability and support to the pelvic floor, maintaining proper alignment as well as preventing excessive movement.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Pubococcygeus: A significant component of the levator ani group, crucial for pelvic organ support.
- Pubococcygeus muscle of levator ani: Integral to the levator ani, aiding in continence and pelvic stability.
ANTAGONIST
- Coccygeus muscle: Assists in supporting the pelvic organs and opposes the action of the pubococcygeus.
COMMON INJURIES
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Dysfunction or weakness of the pubococcygeus 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 pubococcygeus, through contraction and relaxation exercises.
- Squats: Compound exercise that activates the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the pubococcygeus, along with the lower body muscles.
- Bridges: Exercise that engages the pelvic floor and core muscles, including the pubococcygeus, by lifting the pelvis off the ground while lying on the back.
STRETCHES
- Child’s pose: Sitting back on the heels with the knees spread apart, and the torso folded forward, stretching the pelvic floor and pubococcygeus muscle.
- Seated forward fold: Sitting with legs extended and folding the torso forward, reaching towards the toes, stretching the pelvic floor as well as the pubococcygeus muscle.