Corpus: Pubococcygeus muscle

The pubococcygeus muscle is a component of the pelvic floor musculature and forms part of the levator ani muscle.

The pubococcygeus muscle originates from the posterior surface of the pubic bone and the anterior part of the obturator fascia. Its fibers run horizontally, passing dorsally around the anal canal, and attach to the coccyx and sacrum. It is innervated by the sacral plexus (S3-S5).

The muscle can be further subdivided based on fiber orientation into the puboprostatic muscle in men, the pubovaginal muscle in women, and the puboanal and puboperineal muscles in both sexes.

The pubococcygeus muscle plays a crucial role in compressing the urethra against surrounding tissue, thereby controlling the flow of urine. As part of the levator ani muscle, it also supports defecation by contributing to the control and stability of the pelvic organs.