Coccygeus

Original Editor - Innocent Abugu

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Description

Coccygeus also known as ischiococcygeus is a triangular-shaped sheet of muscle located posterior to the levator ani muscles in the pelvic floor. The coccygeus, together with the levator ani, forms the pelvic diaphragm.

Origin

It originates from the ischial spine.

Insertion

The lateral aspect of the coccyx and the sacrum, along the sacrospinous ligament.

Nerve

The anterior rami of S4 an S5.

Artery

Internal pudendal and inferior gluteal artery.

Function

• It supports the pelvic viscera.
• It flexes the coccyx.
• It weakly aids the puborectalis to control urination an defecation especially when there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure.

Clinical relevance

The pelvic floor muscles (PFM), which consist of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, are crucial for supporting pelvic organs. Disorder of the pelvic floor muscles would result in pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

Assessment

To evaluate the activity of the pelvic floor muscles including the coccygeus, the coccygeal movement test is done. This involves the palpation of the coccyx bone. The coccygeal movement test is a simple, objective and non-invasive test used for adequate localization of the pelvic floor muscles. It is done to know if a woman can appropriately identify and contract her pelvic floor muscles.

Treatment

Pelvic floor muscle training, also known as Kegel exercises which are performed by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor made up of the levator ani and coccygeus muscle.