Pubococcygeus
Pelvis & Perineum · Trunk
The pubococcygeus is the main, most anterior part of the levator ani and the workhorse of the pelvic floor. It arises from the posterior surface of the body of the pubis and the anterior part of the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia, then runs backward almost horizontally to insert into the anococcygeal ligament and the coccyx. As its fibres pass posteriorly they lie close to the midline structures that pierce the pelvic floor, which is why this muscle is so intimately involved in continence. It supports and elevates the pelvic floor and, by maintaining tone around the urethra and anal canal, it helps preserve urinary and fecal continence. Like the rest of the levator ani, it is supplied by the nerve to levator ani from the anterior ramus of S4 together with the pudendal nerve (S2-S4).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Posterior surface of the body of the pubis and anterior part of the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia
Insertion
Anococcygeal ligament and coccyx
Action
Supports and elevates the pelvic floor; maintains urinary and fecal continence
Nerve
Nerve to levator ani (anterior ramus of S4) and the pudendal nerve (S2–S4)
Attachments explained
The Pubococcygeus is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Posterior surface of the body of the pubis and anterior part of the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia
Insertion
Anococcygeal ligament and coccyx
Action & function
When the Pubococcygeus contracts, it produces the following movements: Supports and elevates the pelvic floor; maintains urinary and fecal continence.
As part of the Pelvis & Perineum group of the Trunk, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Pubococcygeus receives its nerve supply from the Nerve to levator ani (anterior ramus of S4) and the pudendal nerve (S2–S4). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) S4, S2.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Nerve to levator ani or to its spinal roots (S4, S2) can weaken or paralyse the Pubococcygeus, impairing the movements it normally produces (supports and elevates the pelvic floor). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Pubococcygeus (the OIANS method)
Learn the pubococcygeus as the pubis-to-coccyx sling that names itself: origin on the body of the pubis, insertion on the coccyx and anococcygeal ligament. Because its fibres run almost front to back near the pelvic hiatus, they hug the urethra and anal canal, which is the key to remembering its continence role. Pair it with iliococcygeus, its posterolateral neighbour, to keep the two levator ani sheets straight.
Tie this muscle to its clinical importance: the pubococcygeus is the muscle most targeted by pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises and the one most stressed during childbirth, so weakness here underlies stress incontinence and prolapse. Reasoning from that clinical picture back to its attachments and its S4 plus pudendal supply gives you a memorable, self-reinforcing loop rather than an isolated list.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Pubococcygeus located?
The Pubococcygeus is a muscle of the Pelvis & Perineum group, located in the Trunk.
What is the origin of the Pubococcygeus?
Posterior surface of the body of the pubis and anterior part of the tendinous arch of the obturator fascia
What is the insertion of the Pubococcygeus?
Anococcygeal ligament and coccyx
What movements does the Pubococcygeus produce?
Supports and elevates the pelvic floor; maintains urinary and fecal continence
What nerve supplies the Pubococcygeus?
Nerve to levator ani (anterior ramus of S4) and the pudendal nerve (S2–S4)
Is the Pubococcygeus free to study in OIANS?
The Pubococcygeus is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Trunk is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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