• 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 128  (MAY) , 571-580
Abstract
The anatomy of the anterior portion of the levator ani muscle was studied in 26 adult human cadavers of both sexes. Three layers were identified. The pelvic layer has fibers which are attached to the capsule of the prostate or wall of vagina, intermingle with the longitudinal anal muscle layer and sling up the rectoanal junction. The middle layer has fibers which form the round free border of the levator hiatus, blend with the deep part of the external anal sphincter and join the anococcygeal ligament. Fibers of the perineal layer surround the superficial part of the external anal sphincter. The role of this portion of the muscle is to fix and to prevent the prolapse of the pelvic viscera.