Pubococcygeus (Left) (Musculus pubococcygeus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The pubococcygeus is the main intermediate portion of the levator ani muscle. Arising from the posterior surface of the superior pubic ramus and anterior tendinous arch, its fibers pass backwards along the side of the prostate or vagina and rectum to insert into the perineal body, anococcygeal ligament, and coccyx. It is central to the continence mechanism and pelvic floor dynamics.
Origin & insertion
From the posterior surface of the body of the pubis and anterior tendinous arch to the perineal body, anococcygeal ligament, and tip of the coccyx.
Action
Constricts the pelvic apertures, elevates the pelvic floor, supports pelvic viscera, and assists in urinary and fecal continence.
Innervation
Nerve to levator ani (S4) and inferior rectal/perineal branches of the pudendal nerve (S2–S4).
Clinical notes
Direct stretch or avulsion of pubococcygeus fibers during operative vaginal delivery is a primary etiology of stress urinary incontinence and genital prolapse.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Pubococcygeus (Left)?
The pubococcygeus is the main intermediate portion of the levator ani muscle. Arising from the posterior surface of the superior pubic ramus and anterior tendinous arch, its fibers pass backwards along the side of the prostate or vagina and rectum to insert into the perineal body, anococcygeal ligament, and coccyx. It is central to the continence mechanism and pelvic floor dynamics.
Why is the Pubococcygeus (Left) clinically important?
Direct stretch or avulsion of pubococcygeus fibers during operative vaginal delivery is a primary etiology of stress urinary incontinence and genital prolapse.
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