Anatomy Recap 

Pelvis - The pelvis consists of 3 bones that form a ring. The circular ring of the pelvis creates the pelvic cavity and within the female pelvic cavity sits 3 major organs, this being the bladder, uterus, and bowel. 

Organs of the Pelvic Cavity 

Picture source: https://ppfp.com.au/pelvic-organ-prolapse-explained/

Anterior Compartment (at the front):

• Bladder - Hollow muscular organ that sits directly behind the pubic bone
• Urethra - Channel under the bladder which urine leaves the body
  
  

Central Compartment:

• Uterus - Commonly known as the ‘womb’, situated at the top of the vagina, where a foetus develops. 

Posterior Compartment (at the back):

• Rectum - Lower end of the digestive tract leading to the anal canal, role is to store faeces. 
• Anal Canal - Passageway through which faeces is expelled.                                   

The Pelvic Floor 

The pelvic floor is a complex web of muscle, fascia, and fibrous tissues that together helps support the pelvic organs of the bladder, uterus, and bowel and provide continence for both bladder and bowel function.

This course will focus on the muscular components of the pelvic floor as this is what you as instructors have the ability to improve for your clients. It is a common misconception that the pelvic floor is simply one muscle however the pelvic floor is actually comprised of many small muscles. The pelvic floor muscles can be split into 2 layers (a deep layer & superficial layer) and these layers have different functions. 

Deep Layer

The deeper layer of the pelvic floor is comprised of a group of muscles collectively known as the levator ani muscle group. The main role of this layer is to LIFT the pelvic organs up and therefore provide support for the pelvic organs.

Picture: The deeper layer of pelvic floor musculature.

The individual names of the levator ani group are:

• Puborectalis
• Pubococcygeus
• Iliococcygeus

Superficial Layer

The superficial layer of the pelvic floor is closer to the outside of the body and is comprised of the transverse perineal muscles, ischiocavernosus, bulbocavernosus, and external anal sphincter. The main role of this layer is to provide a CLOSING and OPENING function around the urethra, vagina and anus. 

Picture: Superficial layer of pelvic floor, providing a closing and opening function.

Functions of the Pelvic Floor Muscles

• Maintains urinary continence - allowing us to be able to cough, sneeze, jump, exercise etc. without leakage 
• Allows effective urination - the pelvic floor muscles need to relax around the urethra to allow a stream to occur 
• Maintains bowel continence - allowing us to be in control of our bowel function, both stool and wind 
• Support for the pelvic organs - the pelvic floor acts as a support hammock for the bladder, uterus, and bowel to prevent prolapse 
• Sexual pleasure - the pelvic floor muscles are involved in allowing pain free intercourse and orgasm. They are involved in achieving and maintaining erection in males. 
• Relaxation during childbirth - the pelvic floor needs to be able to relax and widen during a vaginal birth