What is the puborectal sling?

The puborectal sling is a thickened portion of the levator ani muscle that loops around the rectum. It plays an important role in continence by contracting during defaecation to prevent the expulsion of faeces and flatus. The sling is also important in childbirth, as it helps to support the baby's head during delivery.

The puborectal sling is attached to the pubic bone anteriorly and the coccyx posteriorly. It is innervated by the pudendal nerve. The sling is made up of three parts:

* The pubococcygeal muscle: This muscle runs from the pubic bone to the coccyx. It is the main component of the puborectal sling and is responsible for the majority of its strength.

* The iliococcygeal muscle: This muscle runs from the ilium to the coccyx. It is located lateral to the pubococcygeal muscle and helps to support the rectum.

* The puborectalis muscle: This muscle runs from the pubic bone to the rectum. It is located anterior to the pubococcygeal muscle and helps to prevent the expulsion of faeces and flatus.

The puborectal sling is an important structure that plays a key role in continence and childbirth.