key term - Coccygeus

Definition

The coccygeus is a small muscle located in the pelvic floor that attaches the coccyx (tailbone) to the pelvic bone. It plays a role in supporting the pelvic organs and stabilizing the coccyx during movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coccygeus muscle is part of the pelvic floor musculature and helps to support the pelvic organs.
2. It originates on the lateral aspect of the coccyx and inserts on the ischial spine of the pelvic bone.
3. Contraction of the coccygeus muscle helps to stabilize the coccyx during movements like sitting, standing, and walking.
4. Weakness or damage to the coccygeus muscle can contribute to pelvic floor disorders like pelvic organ prolapse.
5. The coccygeus muscle works in conjunction with other pelvic floor muscles like the levator ani to maintain pelvic organ support and function.

Review Questions

• Describe the anatomical location and function of the coccygeus muscle.
  • The coccygeus muscle is a small muscle located in the pelvic floor that attaches the coccyx (tailbone) to the pelvic bone. Its primary function is to help stabilize the coccyx during movement and support the pelvic organs. The coccygeus originates on the lateral aspect of the coccyx and inserts on the ischial spine of the pelvic bone. Contraction of the coccygeus assists with maintaining pelvic organ support and preventing conditions like pelvic organ prolapse.
• Explain how the coccygeus muscle relates to the axial muscles of the abdominal wall and thorax.
  • While the coccygeus muscle is not directly part of the abdominal wall or thoracic musculature, it does play an important role in supporting the pelvic region, which is anatomically continuous with the abdominal wall. The coccygeus is one of the pelvic floor muscles that work in conjunction with the diaphragm and other core muscles to maintain intra-abdominal pressure and provide stability to the trunk. Additionally, the coccyx, to which the coccygeus attaches, is part of the axial skeleton and can be influenced by movements and forces generated by the abdominal and thoracic muscles.
• Evaluate the clinical significance of the coccygeus muscle and how its dysfunction can impact overall pelvic and trunk stability.
  • The coccygeus muscle is clinically significant because it is a key component of the pelvic floor musculature, which is essential for maintaining pelvic organ support and function. Weakness or damage to the coccygeus, often due to childbirth or pelvic trauma, can contribute to pelvic floor disorders like pelvic organ prolapse. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, the coccygeus works synergistically with the abdominal and thoracic muscles to provide overall trunk stability. Impairment of the coccygeus can therefore impact core strength and the body's ability to generate and transfer forces through the kinetic chain, potentially leading to low back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Proper assessment and rehabilitation of the coccygeus muscle is crucial for maintaining pelvic and trunk stability.

Related terms

Pelvic Floor Muscles:

A group of muscles that form a hammock-like structure supporting the pelvic organs and contributing to functions like urination, defecation, and sexual activity.

Coccyx:

The small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine, formed by the fusion of 3-5 vertebrae and serving as an attachment point for several muscles and ligaments.

Pelvic Girdle: The bony structure composed of the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx that connects the lower limbs to the axial skeleton and provides attachment points for many muscles.