Iliococcygeus (Left) (Musculus iliococcygeus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The iliococcygeus is the posterolateral constituent of the levator ani muscle group. It forms a thin muscular sheet that arises from the ischial spine and the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia, slanting inferomedially to insert into the anococcygeal body and coccyx. It serves as an essential structural diaphragm sustaining the pelvic organs.
Origin & insertion
From the ischial spine and the posterior part of the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia to the anococcygeal ligament (body) and lateral border of the coccyx.
Action
Elevates and supports the pelvic floor, helps maintain fecal continence, and counteracts downward intra-abdominal pressure.
Innervation
Nerve to levator ani from anterior ramus of S4, supplemented by inferior rectal branches of pudendal nerve (S3–S4).
Clinical notes
Obstetric trauma or chronic strain causing laxity of the iliococcygeus predisposes to pelvic organ prolapse (cystocele, rectocele, and uterine descent).
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Iliococcygeus (Left)?
The iliococcygeus is the posterolateral constituent of the levator ani muscle group. It forms a thin muscular sheet that arises from the ischial spine and the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia, slanting inferomedially to insert into the anococcygeal body and coccyx. It serves as an essential structural diaphragm sustaining the pelvic organs.
Why is the Iliococcygeus (Left) clinically important?
Obstetric trauma or chronic strain causing laxity of the iliococcygeus predisposes to pelvic organ prolapse (cystocele, rectocele, and uterine descent).
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details