Question

Which part of the levator ani provides support to the prostate (levator prostatae)?

• A. Pubococcygeus
• B. Ischiococcygeus
• C. Iliococcygeus
• D. None of the above

Hint:

Anterior fibres of pubococcygeus form the levator prostatae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: The levator ani is the main muscle of the pelvic floor and is divided into the pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, and ischiococcygeus (coccygeus) parts.

Step 2: The pubococcygeus is the part related to the midline pelvic viscera. Its anterior fibres closely surround the prostate in males to form the levator prostatae, which supports and slings the prostate. In females the same anterior fibres surround the vagina as the sphincter vaginae.

Step 3: The middle fibres of pubococcygeus form the puborectalis sling around the anorectal junction, and the posterior fibres attach to the anococcygeal ligament and coccyx.

Step 4: The iliococcygeus is inserted into the anococcygeal ligament and the last two pieces of the coccyx, and the ischiococcygeus forms the posterior part of the pelvic floor. Neither supports the prostate. Hence the answer is pubococcygeus.