Pelvic Floor Muscles Anatomy Radiology

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Pelvic floor muscles anatomy radiology.

The main focus of this article will be the pelvic floor muscles on that topic there are several important questions that need to be answered. The pelvic floor is primarily made up of thick skeletal muscles along with nearby ligaments and their investing fascia. Pelvic support is a combination of constriction suspension and structural geometry. It is a basin shaped muscular diaphragm that helps to support the visceral contents of the pelvis.

The authors review the pelvic floor anatomy describe the mr imaging protocol used in their institutions survey common mr imaging findings in the presence of pelvic floor weakness and highlight key details that radiologists should provide surgeons to ensure effective treatment and improved outcomes. Endopelvic fascia and ligaments to the bony pelvis provide passive support while the muscles of the pelvic floor mainly the levator ani provide active support. Imaging studies include colonic transit to assess bowel motility. Symptoms such as obstructive defecation incontinence and sphincter complex disorders have a significant impact on patient lifestyle and physical mental well being 1 2.

Normal and pathologic anatomy at mr imaging. Pelvic floor imaging is an important part of both gastrointestinal and functional urology urogynaecological departments. It attaches to the walls of the lesser pelvis separating the pelvic cavity from the perineum inferiorly region which includes the genitalia and anus. Knowledge of normal pelvic floor anatomy can aid the radiologist in understanding the complex nature of pelvic floor dysfunction and is important for comprehensive image interpretation.

This article provides an overview of normal anatomy of the pelvic floor as seen on magnetic resonance imaging ultrasound and fluoroscopic studies performed in. The spatial relationship of the organs and the pelvic floor are important. The pelvic floor is a funnel shaped structure. In order to allow for urination and defecation there are a few gaps in the pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor is a musculofascial diaphragm inserted on the pelvic bones. The lower end of the pelvic floor is held closed by the pelvic floor muscles preventing prolapse by constricting the base. The pelvic floor is a complex integrated multilayered anatomic and functional unit that provides active and passive support.