An anatomical study of the pelvic diaphragm

The pelvic diaphragm represents a group of muscles located at the pelvic outlet and is involved in pelvic floor dysfunctions. Alternative therapies targeting obturator internus have been suggested in strengthening pelvic diaphragm (floor). The gross anatomical relationship between obturator internus and levator ani muscle is poorly understood and thus the goal of this study is to examine the attachment between pubic portion of the levator ani muscle and the fascia covering obturator internus, specifically the tendinous arch of levator ani in formalin embalmed cadavers. During dissection, the lateral margin of the pubic portion of levator ani muscle was noted to have origin along the tendinous arch. This attachment may serve as the reason why therapies involving obturator internus also positively impact pelvic floor strength.