Advanced Pelvic Muscles Quiz

Q1. Which sequence correctly describes major sites of origin of levator ani from anterior to posterior?

• Pubis, tendinous arch of levator ani, ischial spine
• Coccyx, sacral promontory, anterior superior iliac spine
• Pubic tubercle, inguinal ligament, iliac crest
• Sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament, ischial tuberosity

Q2. Which pelvic muscle divides the greater sciatic foramen into suprapiriform and infrapiriform spaces?

• Piriformis
• Obturator internus
• Coccygeus
• Pubococcygeus

Q3. Which major nerve usually leaves the pelvis inferior to piriformis?

• Iliohypogastric nerve
• Sciatic nerve
• Femoral nerve
• Obturator nerve

Q4. Why is obturator internus important to both pelvic and gluteal anatomy?

• It forms the anterior abdominal wall and inserts on the pubis
• It forms part of the pelvic wall and its tendon enters the gluteal region
• It remains entirely within the pelvic cavity
• It forms the pelvic diaphragm and inserts on the coccyx

Q5. Which fascial structure associated with obturator internus provides attachment for levator ani?

• Tendinous arch of levator ani
• Sacrospinous ligament
• Sacrotuberous ligament
• Inguinal ligament

Q6. A patient has difficulty maintaining the anorectal angle because of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Which muscle is most directly affected?

• Obturator internus
• Puborectalis
• Piriformis
• Coccygeus

Q7. A patient paradoxically contracts puborectalis while attempting defecation. What is the most direct consequence?

• The obturator canal closes
• The sacroiliac joint becomes unstable
• The anorectal angle remains relatively acute and evacuation is impaired
• The urethra becomes permanently dilated

Q8. Why can injury to levator ani during vaginal childbirth contribute to pelvic organ prolapse?

• Loss of muscular support permits greater downward displacement of pelvic viscera
• Loss of levator ani prevents lateral rotation of the hip
• Injury blocks the internal iliac arteries
• Injury causes immediate fusion of the pubic symphysis

Q9. Which pelvic muscles can assist in lateral rotation of the extended thigh while also having important relationships within the pelvis?

• Coccygeus and iliococcygeus
• Puborectalis and pubococcygeus
• Pubococcygeus and coccygeus
• Piriformis and obturator internus

Q10. Which statement best integrates the major functional groups of pelvic muscles?

• Some form the supportive pelvic floor, while others form pelvic walls and act on the hip
• All pelvic muscles are components of the levator ani
• Pelvic muscles have no role in supporting pelvic viscera
• All pelvic muscles function exclusively as hip extensors