Pelvic floor muscle fiber

Pelvic floor muscle fibers are specialized skeletal muscle fibers that form the core contractile units of the pelvic floor muscles, a group of striated muscles and associated connective tissues at the base of the pelvis[1][3][5][7][8]. Collectively, these muscles—most notably the levator ani complex (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus) and coccygeus—support pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, reproductive organs), maintain continence, participate in childbirth, and contribute to sexual function[1][3][5][7][8]. The fibers themselves are not considered therapeutic targets like a receptor or enzyme; rather, disorders associated with these muscles (e.g., pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, dysfunction following injury) are clinical targets for rehabilitation or surgical therapies[1][3][7][8]. Pelvic floor muscle fibers consist primarily of type I (slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant) and type II (fast-twitch) fibers to provide sustained support and rapid contraction when necessary[5][7].

Other names

Pelvic floor musclePelvic floor musclesPFMPelvic diaphragm musclesLevator ani complexCoccygeus musclePubococcygeusIliococcygeusPuborectalisExternal anal sphincterSuperficial transverse perineal muscle