levator ani

Latin

levator ani (plural levatores ani)

1. (anatomy) a broad, thin muscle, situated on the side of the pelvis, that forms part of the pelvic floor. In humans it supports the viscera in pelvic cavity and in quadruped animals with tails it is the muscle used to wag the tail.
   • 1921, The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Empire, page 279:

     He had not mentioned suture of the levatores ani muscles, as he considered it a minor part of the operation.

   • 1986, Bernard Liebgott, The Anatomical Basis of Dentistry, page 72:

     The levatores ani muscles originate Anal Triangle along the internal aspects of the os coxae.

   • 1992, Richard S. Snell, Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students, page 361:

     Supports of the Uterus The uterus is supported mainly by (1) the tone of the levatores ani muscles and (2) the condensations of pelvic fascia, which form three important ligaments.

• Voltairean, venatorial, venoatrial