Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a layered complex of muscles and connective tissues that forms the lower boundary of the pelvis. Its principal muscular components include the levator ani group, made up of the pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus, together with the coccygeus muscle. Fascia and the perineal membrane contribute additional support .¹

The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs while leaving openings for the urinary, genital, and anorectal tracts. Its muscles change activity during breathing, coughing, lifting, urination, defecation, and sexual function. By coordinating with the abdominal wall and diaphragm, the pelvic floor also helps manage changes in intra-abdominal pressure while maintaining continence and allowing controlled emptying .¹

The pelvic floor is not a single muscle. It is a functional region whose parts must both generate support and relax when passage through the pelvic outlets is required. Excessive weakness, injury, poor coordination, or excessive muscle activity can each disturb function in different ways. Terms such as pelvic-floor dysfunction therefore cover several possible problems rather than implying one uniform condition .¹