The levator ani (pelvic diaphragm)

 

The levator ani  is a thin sheet of funnel-shaped muscle that is attached to the pelvic wall.  This cross-section image shows its anterior attachment to the pubic bone. 

 

A second cross section image shows the lateral attachment to the muscle of the lateral wall of the pelvis.  The 3D image shows the obturator internus along the lateral pelvic wall where the levator ani attaches.    

 

The next image adds the pelvic bone and coccyx    Mouse over the muscles in both cross section and 3D images. 

 

The next image shows the bladder, urethra and spinchter urethrae.  Mouse over to identify.  See that the levator ani supports the bladder. 

 

The uterus, vagina, rectum and anal sphincter  are added in the next image.  Note that they are also supported by the levator ani.

 

The external genitalia lie inferior to the pelvic diaphragm  and are attached to the urogenital diaphragm,