GLOSSARY

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that span the floor of the pelvic cavity like a hammock, supporting the bladder, bowel, and uterus.

Main Components

• Levator ani: the largest, comprising the pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus.
• Coccygeus.
• Perineal muscles and the external anal and urethral sphincters.
• Nerve: mainly the pudendal nerve (S2–S4) and direct sacral branches.

Functions

• Support: holding the pelvic organs in place.
• Urinary and faecal continence.
• Stability: part of the core, working with the diaphragm and transversus abdominis to regulate intra-abdominal pressure.
• Sexual function.

Relevance to Sport and Clinical Application