Puborectalis Muscle Essay

The puborectalis muscle is the most superior part of the external musculature of the anus, it provides a sling originating from the pubic bones and surrounds the upper anus posteriorly. Surrounding the anus not the rectum the nomenclature of this muscle is misleading, it is also a part of a more extensive muscular structure which supports the anterior pelvic floor, namely, the pubovisceralis group of muscles. In addition to puborectalis fibers, there are puboanal, pubovaginal, and puboperineal fibers, as well as a close association with the urogenital diaphragm and deep transverse perineal muscle, which support the urethra and the vagina in females. More generally, the posterior and lateral pelvic floor is also supported by the iliococcygeus
and pubococcygeus muscles, which together with the pubovisceralis comprise the levator ani group. (Morpurgo et al., 2004).