Muscle
Pubococcygeus
Pubic levator fibers with visceral and posterior attachments
High-yield
Names such as puboperinealis, puboanalis and pubovaginalis describe attachment targets. These fibers differ from the separate puborectal sling behind the anorectal junction.
Overview
The pubococcygeal region of levator ani begins near the pubis and anterior tendinous arch. Its fibers extend toward posterior support tissues and structures around the pelvic outlets. The medial visceral attachments are often described collectively as pubovisceral muscle.
Reference facts
- Origin
- From the posterior pubic region and anterior part of the tendinous arch.
- Insertion
- Fibers blend with posterior midline/coccygeal tissues and, through pubovisceral subdivisions, with perineal, anal and vaginal or prostatic support tissues.
- Innervation
- Direct sacral levator branches, usually within S3–S5; pudendal contributions vary across anatomical studies.
- Action
- Supports and elevates pelvic outlet structures and helps resist downward displacement during raised abdominal pressure.
- Blood supply
- Receives branches from the internal iliac vascular network, including visceral, pudendal and gluteal contributions.
Clinical correlation
Avulsion of pubic levator fibers can follow childbirth and is associated with enlargement of the hiatus and prolapse. Pelvic-floor contraction recruits an interacting muscle complex rather than one isolated pubococcygeus muscle.
Frequently asked questions
What does the pubococcygeus do?
The pubococcygeus supports and elevates pelvic outlet structures and helps resist downward displacement during raised abdominal pressure.
What nerve innervates the pubococcygeus?
Direct sacral levator branches, usually within S3–S5; pudendal contributions vary across anatomical studies.
Where does the pubococcygeus attach?
Origin: From the posterior pubic region and anterior part of the tendinous arch. Insertion: Fibers blend with posterior midline/coccygeal tissues and, through pubovisceral subdivisions, with perineal, anal and vaginal or prostatic support tissues.
What is the blood supply of the pubococcygeus?
Receives branches from the internal iliac vascular network, including visceral, pudendal and gluteal contributions.