The iliococcygeus is the posterior and more horizontal part of the levator ani, forming a shelf between the ischial spine and coccyx. It provides a broader supportive platform for the posterior pelvic floor.
| Origin | Tendinous arch of levator ani (white line of the obturator fascia); Ischial spine |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Anococcygeal ligament and coccyx |
| Nerve Supply | Inferior anal nerve and perineal branches of S3-S4 |
| Blood Supply | Inferior gluteal and internal pudendal arteries |
| Actions | Forms the posterior part of the pelvic floor; Supports the pelvic viscera; Closes the levator hiatus |
|---|
Iliococcygeus avulsion from the tendinous arch is a component of pelvic floor trauma in childbirth. In pelvic organ prolapse surgery, the iliococcygeus attachment to the ischial spine is used as a suture point for sacrospinous ligament fixation (Richter procedure) and iliococcygeus fixation procedures for vault prolapse.
Not separately palpable from other levator ani components on vaginal or rectal examination.
Iliococcygeus fascial attachment to the ischial spine used as a suspension point in vaginal vault prolapse repair.
