The term "levator" refers to a muscle that functions to raise or elevate a body part. It is commonly used in anatomical contexts to describe muscles that lift structures, such as the levator scapulae, which elevates the shoulder blade, or the levator ani, which supports pelvic organs. The name derives from the Latin word "levare," meaning "to lift."
The names of muscles often indicate the action of the muscle. What does the term levator mean?
When the term "levator" is part of a muscle's action, it typically indicates that the muscle is involved in lifting or elevating a specific body part. For example, the levator scapulae muscle elevates the scapula (shoulder blade), while the levator anguli oris muscle elevates the angle of the mouth when smiling.
levator sling
Levatores
The levator ani is a muscle found in the rectal area. It provides some of the support for the pelvic organs.
Levator scapulae
The levator ani muscles, specifically the pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus muscles, make up the majority of the pelvic floor. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence.
Trapezius 1
levator ani .... is comprised of illicoccoygeus and the pubcoccoyeus. this makes the "floor or diaphragm" of the pelvi
Levator scapulae and trapezius
Elevate the upper lip
The levator ani and coccygeus muscles form the pelvic diaphragm, which provides support for the pelvic organs and helps with maintaining continence.