Musculus coccygeus
A broad muscle from the pelvic floor that draws the tail laterally and ventrally. Also contributes to the pelvic diaphragm and supports the pelvic organs.
Origin: Ischiatic spine of the pelvis
Insertion: Transverse processes of the first several caudal vertebrae
Action: Draws the tail laterally; compresses the pelvic floor; supports pelvic organs
Innervation: Pudendal and caudal rectal nerves (S3-S5)
Stretching or tearing during difficult births weakens the coccygeus and surrounding pelvic floor muscles.
Stretching or tearing during difficult births weakens the coccygeus and surrounding pelvic floor muscles. Signs include: Reduced tail tone; difficulty with defecation; pneumovagina (wind-sucking) in mares; perineal laxity; rectal prolapse risk in severe cases.
See the Coccygeus (Caudal Levator) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model