What are the 5 superficial pelvic floor muscles?
Based on the search results provided, there is some variation in the description of the pelvic floor muscles, but most sources mention that the pelvic floor is primarily made up of thick skeletal muscles, nearby ligaments and investing fascia. There are generally considered to be several layers of pelvic floor muscles, with the superficial layer being the most superficial. However, there is no consensus on the exact number or names of the muscles that make up the superficial layer.
One source mentions that there are five muscles that are often referred to when discussing the pelvic floor muscles in general: the pubococcygeus muscle, the pubovaginalis muscle, the puborectalis muscle, the iliococcygeus muscle, and the coccygeus muscle [6]. However, it is important to note that this source is focused specifically on the anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles in relation to sexual health, and other sources may describe the muscles differently.
Another source describes the superficial layer of the pelvic floor in more detail, showing a sequence of images of the different layers of the pelvic floor. This source identifies three muscles in the superficial layer: the bulbospongiosus muscle, the ischiocavernosus muscle, and the superficial transverse perineal muscle [8].
Overall, while there may be some variation in the exact names and number of muscles that make up the superficial layer of the pelvic floor, it is clear that there are multiple muscles that work together to support the pelvic organs and control bladder and bowel function.
