The pubococcygeus is a muscle of the pelvic floor, forming the intermediate part of the levator ani muscle complex. It is important in providing stability and support for the abdominal and pelvic organs. This article provides a general overview of the pubococcygeus muscle.
The pubococcygeus muscle originates from the posterior surface of the pubis, extending to the contralateral muscle in the midline of the pelvic floor, as can be seen in Figure 1. It has two key attachments, blending with the contralateral muscle in the midline of the pelvic floor.
The pubococcygeus muscle is innervated by the nerve to levator ani and branches of the pudendal nerve.
The pubococcygeus muscle is supplied with blood by the inferior gluteal, inferior vesical and pudendal arteries.
The main function of the pubococcygeus muscle is to provide stability and support to the abdominal and pelvic organs. It does this by providing resistance against the downward pressure exerted on the abdominal and pelvic organs by gravity.
The pubococcygeus muscle plays an important role in providing stability and support for the abdominal and pelvic organs. As such, any condition which affects the functioning or strength of the pubococcygeus muscle can have an impact on the stability and support of the abdominal and pelvic organs, leading to symptoms such as incontinence, lower abdominal pain and constipation.
Injury or weakening of the pubococcygeus muscle can lead to instability and dysfunction of the pelvic floor. This can be caused by childbirth, trauma, surgery, ageing and other factors. Treatment and rehabilitation for weakened or injured pubococcygeus muscles generally involve strengthening exercises, such as Kegels, which help to restore the tone of the pelvic floor muscles.
If strengthening exercises are not enough, physical therapy may be recommended. Physical therapy for weakened pubococcygeus muscles generally involves manual manipulation of the pelvic floor muscles, as well as specific exercises to help restore strength and function. Other treatments, such as biofeedback and electrical stimulation, may also be used to help restore strength and function.
The pubococcygeus muscle is a key muscle in providing stability and support for the abdominal and pelvic organs. Injury or weakening of the pubococcygeus muscle can lead to instability and dysfunction of the pelvic floor, which can lead to symptoms such as incontinence, lower abdominal pain and constipation. Treatment and rehabilitation for weakened or injured pubococcygeus muscles generally involve strengthening exercises, physical therapy and other treatments, such as biofeedback and electrical stimulation. With proper treatment, the pubococcygeus muscle can be restored to normal strength and functioning, helping to alleviate symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and providing stability and support to the abdominal and pelvic organs.
