Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Levator Ani Muscle

The levator ani is a complex funnel-shaped structure mainly composed of striated muscle with some smooth muscle components (see Image. Female Perineum). Located on either side of the lower pelvis, it takes part in supporting and raising the pelvic floor and allows various pelvic structures to pass through it. The levator ani muscle is part of the pelvic floor along with the coccygeus muscle. It forms from the confluence of three muscles, puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus muscles. These mostly receive innervation by the somatic nerves from the sacral plexus, namely the pudendal nerve and nerve of the levator ani muscle, and autonomic nerves from the inferior hypogastric plexus.