What are the two major components of the pelvic diaphragm?

What are the two major components of the pelvic diaphragm?

• A. Levator ani and coccygeus
• B. Iliopsoas and psoas
• C. Piriformis and obturator internus
• D. Puborectalis and pubococcygeus

Answer: (A)

Pelvic diaphragm is formed mainly by two muscle groups that form the muscular floor supporting pelvic viscera and helping maintain continence. The primary two components are the levator ani and the coccygeus. The levator ani is the thickest part of the floor and creates a supportive sling around the anorectal junction; it has three parts—puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus—that together elevate and support the pelvic organs and help create the pelvic floor angle important for continence. The coccygeus sits posteriorly, extending from the ischial spine to the coccyx and sacrum, aiding in support and slight coccygeal flexion. The other muscles listed don’t form the main floor: the iliopsoas and psoas are hip flexors, and the piriformis and obturator internus are locomotor muscles of the pelvic wall; puborectalis and pubococcygeus are components within the levator ani rather than the two major components themselves.

Pelvic diaphragm is formed mainly by two muscle groups that form the muscular floor supporting pelvic viscera and helping maintain continence. The primary two components are the levator ani and the coccygeus. The levator ani is the thickest part of the floor and creates a supportive sling around the anorectal junction; it has three parts—puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus—that together elevate and support the pelvic organs and help create the pelvic floor angle important for continence. The coccygeus sits posteriorly, extending from the ischial spine to the coccyx and sacrum, aiding in support and slight coccygeal flexion. The other muscles listed don’t form the main floor: the iliopsoas and psoas are hip flexors, and the piriformis and obturator internus are locomotor muscles of the pelvic wall; puborectalis and pubococcygeus are components within the levator ani rather than the two major components themselves.