Name

Coccygeus

Pronunciation

(cock-se-GEE-us)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Anterior surface of the ischial spine & sacrospinous ligament

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Lateral border of S5 & the coccyx

Action/Relevance

Forms the posterior portion of the pelvic floor

Innervation

Ventral rami of the fourth & fifth sacral nerves

Notes

Muscle of the lower back that arises from the ischium (lower, rear portion of the hipbone) and from the ligaments that join the spinal column and the sacrum (triangular bone at the base of the spine). It is attached to the lower sacrum and the coccyx (tailbone). In humans its major function is to support the pelvic viscera, especially in the female.