levator ani


levator ani

A broad, thin, flat muscle, located on the pelvic sidewall, which forms the pelvic diaphragm when joining with its twin. It supports the pelvic viscera and surrounds the structures that pass through it.
Artery
Inferior gluteal artery.
Nerve
Pudendal, perineal and inferior rectal nerves, sacral spinal nerves (S3, S4).
Origin
Inner sidewall of the lesser pelvis.
Insertion
Coccyx, levator ani of opposite side, and structures that pass through it.
 
Pronunciation 
Medspeak-UK: pronounced, leh VAY tore ANN ee
Medspeak-US: pronounced, LEH vuh tore ANN ee

levator ani

A broad muscle that helps to form the floor of the pelvis.See also: levator