Abstract
Introduction: The anatomy of the pelvic floor and the supportive role of the connective tissue and muscular components are complex and difficult to understand.
Methods: In this descriptive anatomy study, anatomical descriptions in the literature are combined with pelvic dissections of 17 females and 10 males.
Results and Discussion: This description includes (1) the anatomy and functional interactions of the muscle of the true pelvis; (2) the anatomy and functions of the endopelvic support structures in females and males; (3) descriptions of visceral support concepts incorporating muscular and endopelvic elements, and (4) the consequences of changes in the anatomy and functions of these supporting structure with disuse, posture, trauma, pregnancy, childbirth, abdominal adiposity, and aging.