What is the primary function of the bulbocavernosus muscle?

The primary function of the bulbocavernosus muscle is to surround and protect the labia, contributing to the overall support and function of the pelvic floor. This muscle plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the vaginal and perineal area, as well as in the sexual response cycle. Its contraction helps with maintaining clitoral engorgement and enhances sexual pleasure, as well as providing support to the surrounding structures.

Understanding its role in the pelvic anatomy reveals its importance in various physiological processes, including sexual function and childbirth. While it also sometimes assists in actions related to urination, such as ejecting urine from the urethra, the muscle's most relevant function in this context relates to its action around the labia. This reinforces the pelvic floor's role during both sexual arousal and delivery, situating the bulbocavernosus muscle as a vital part of maintaining pelvic health.