GENERAL INFORMATION
The puborectalis is a bony structure located at the base of the spine, formed by several bones, including the sacrum, coccyx, and hip bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis). It plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the upper body and protecting the organs in the lower abdomen.
PUBORECTALIS
The puborectalis is a muscle that forms part of the pelvic floor. It is a sling-like muscle that wraps around the rectum and helps maintain continence by creating a kink in the anal canal.
ORIGIN
The puborectalis muscle originates from the posterior aspect of the pubis bone.
INSERTION POINT
It inserts into the walls of the rectum and blends with the other muscles of the pelvic floor.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The puborectalis muscle receives its blood supply primarily from the inferior rectal artery, a branch of the internal pudendal artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
It is innervated by the levator ani nerve, which arises from the sacral spinal nerves (S2-S4).
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the puborectalis muscle can cause pain and dysfunction in the pelvic region, potentially leading to conditions such as pelvic pain syndrome or chronic proctalgia.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
During contraction, the puborectalis muscle pulls the rectum forward, creating an angle in the anal canal that helps maintain continence.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of the puborectalis muscle occurs during relaxation. It allows the rectum to straighten, facilitating the passage of stool during defecation.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The puborectalis muscle also contracts isometrically to provide support to the rectum and maintain continence when intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as during coughing or sneezing.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Levator ani: A group of muscles, including the puborectalis, that form the pelvic floor and support pelvic organs.
- Coccygeus: Works with the levator ani muscles to support the pelvic organs.
- Iliococcygeus: Part of the levator ani group, providing pelvic floor support.
- Pubococcygeus: Another component of the levator ani, crucial for pelvic organ support and continence.
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
- External anal sphincter: Controls the release of stool, opposing the puborectalis during defecation.
- Internal anal sphincter: Involuntarily maintains continence, relaxing during bowel movements.
COMMON INJURIES
- Puborectalis strain: Overuse or trauma to the muscle, causing pain and dysfunction.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Weakness or overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to continence issues.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: Descent of pelvic organs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, including the puborectalis.
EXERCISES
- Kegel exercises: Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, including the puborectalis, through contraction and relaxation.
- Squats: Engage the pelvic floor and hip muscles, supporting overall pelvic health.
- Pelvic tilts: Improve pelvic stability and mobility by engaging the pelvic floor muscles.
- Bridge exercises: Activate the glutes and pelvic floor by lifting the pelvis off the ground.
STRETCHES
- Child’s pose: Stretches the pelvic floor and lower back, relieving tension.
- Happy baby pose: Releases tension in the pelvic area and stretches the lower back.
- Butterfly stretch: Targets the inner thighs and pelvic muscles, enhancing flexibility.
- Seated forward fold: Stretches the hamstrings and lower back, promoting pelvic floor relaxation.