Puborectalis muscle

Fig. 1.6a-c. Puborectalis muscle (arrows), a Axial section (5 mm) of an adult [ female. xO.8. b Axial MR image of an adult female, c Axial section (400 [xm) of a female newborn specimen. X4. u, urethra v, vagina r, rectum... 

The puborectalis muscle is continuous with the external anal sphincter caudally (Fig. 1.7). The macroscopic distinction between both muscles is provided by the anococcygeal body. The puborectalis has no skeletal attachment dorsally, but the deep portion of the sphincter ani externus is indirectly fastened to the coccyx by the anococcygeal body. 

Fig. 1.7a,b. Computer-assisted reconstructions of a female fetus, a Oblique ventrolateral view, b Descending dorsoventral view, v, vagina Im, longitudinal muscular layer pr, puborectalis muscle eas, external anal sphincter is, internal sphincter pbo, pubic bone... 

The striated muscles of the anterior compartment are the ventral parts of the levator ani muscle (see Table 1.1), i.e. the pubococcygeus and puborectalis muscle of each side. As they are covered by the superior fascia of the pelvic diaphragm, they are clearly separated by the adjacent organs (Fig. 1.10a,d and... 

Fig. 1.16a-c. Scar (arrows) of an old perineal rupture in axial sections (4 mm) of an adult female, a At a level with the perineum. xO.8. b At a -( level with the fusion of external anal sphincter and puborectalis muscle,... 

The middle compartment does not have any specific striated muscles. The lateral vaginal wall comes in close contact to the puborectalis portion of the levator ani muscle. Both structures are always separated by the superior fascia of this muscle (Fig. 1.6b). 

Other skeletal muscle contributions include the contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor. The sling of the puborectalis and other levator ani muscles are responsible for maintaining fecal continence along with a trained sympathetic reflex. Relaxation of these muscles and the rectal sphincter is under voluntary control and is facilitated by diaphragmatic contraction when necessary. The diaphragm is also involved in a type... 

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