Origin: posterior surface of the bodies of the pubic bones and inferior aspect of the obturator fascia.

Insertion: the puborectalis muscle has no insertion site; it forms a “puborectal sling” posterior to the rectum; the sling is formed as the muscle fibers go backward and around the rectum and join the fibers from the opposite side; also the sling forms the anorectal angle.

Function: all levator ani muscles provide support and stability of the abdominopelvic organs, resistance against increases of intra-abdominal and intra-pelvic pressure, and ensure opening and closing of the levator hiatus (a U-shaped midline aperture in the levator ani that allows passage of the urethra, rectum, and vagina in women; a potential weak spot of the pelvic diaphragm musculature); specific function of this muscle is the maintenance of fecal continence and assistance in defecation process; it functions together with the internal anal sphincter and external anal sphincter.

Innervation: nerve to levator ani (S4).

Blood supply: the levator ani muscles are supplied by the inferior gluteal artery, inferior vesical artery, and pudendal arteries.

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Puborectalis (of levator ani)