Pubococcygeus Muscle

Description

Oblique pelvic floor anatomy is presented with emphasis on the pubococcygeus, the medial component of levator ani, spanning from the posterior body of the pubis and adjacent tendinous arch of the obturator fascia toward the anococcygeal raphe and coccyx. Its fibers lie inferior to the pelvic viscera and superior to the perineal membrane, forming a sling that narrows the urogenital hiatus around the prostate and membranous urethra. Laterally, the muscle relates to obturator internus and the arcus tendineus levator ani, while posteriorly it approaches the coccygeus and the coccyx. Bony landmarks such as the ilium, ischium, and pubis frame the muscular sheet. Clear orientation. Clinically, this specific view matters because the pubococcygeus and adjacent levator ani are the functional boundary between the abdomen and the perineum, and their integrity governs male continence after prostate surgery. Denervation or avulsion of the levator ani can follow pelvic fracture, and postoperative weakness contributes to stress urinary incontinence by failing to elevate and compress the urethra during rises in intra-abdominal pressure. Pelvic floor rehabilitation targets these fibers directly, and surgeons reference the pubic origin and tendinous arch when orienting within the retropubic space and around the apex of the prostate. Use this illustration in gross anatomy teaching on the pelvic diaphragm, in urology and colorectal surgical atlases discussing the urogenital hiatus and anococcygeal raphe, or in patient-facing pelvic floor therapy materials that need accurate male-specific anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.