Invited lectures Biomechanics of female pelvic floor: Bridging experiments, modeling, and clinical practice

The pelvic floor is a complex anatomic and functional entity that is composed of 3 horizontal layers, the fascial layer, the levator ani, and the urogenital diaphragm (Fig. 1). The pelvic floor supports 3 vital anatomic compartments: the lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra), the female reproductive organs (vagina, cervix, and uterus), and the lower digestive or anorectal tract (rectum and anus).