Coccygeus
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Contents
Description
Coccygeus also known as ischiococcygeus is a triangular-shaped sheet of muscle located posterior to the levator ani muscles and anterior to the sacrospinous ligament 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.[1]
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[2]. 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.[3] 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. It is done several times a day, lasting for a few minutes each time, for between two and three months, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.[4]
Resources
- ↑ Chaudhry SR, Hulaibi FA, Nahian A, Chaudhry K. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Pelvis. StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 May 24. StatPearls Publishing LLC.
- ↑ Huang YC, Chang KV. Kegel Exercises. InStatPearls [Internet] 2020 Apr 7. StatPearls Publishing.
- ↑ Stensgaard SH, Bek KM, Ismail KM. Coccygeal movement test: an objective, non-invasive test for localization of the pelvic floor muscles in healthy women. Medical Principles and Practice. 2014;23(4):318-22.
- ↑ Gowda SN, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Levator Ani Muscle. InStatPearls [Internet] 2020 Mar 27. StatPearls Publishing.
