Pelvis Orientation

Question 1

3 major functions of the pelvis

Answer 1

Provide space, transmit forces, provide attachment for muscles

Question 2

What are the two parts of the pelvis?

Answer 2

Greater (false) pelvis and Lesser (true) pelvis

Question 3

What are sacralization and lumbarization?

Answer 3

Sacralization - When L5 fuses with the sacrum, Lumbarization - When S1 does not fuse with the sacrum

Question 4

What does the pudendal nerve sit right on top of near where it forms?

Answer 4

The sacrospinous ligament

Question 5

Via what opening does the pudendal nerve exit the pelvic cavity?

Answer 5

The greater sciatic foramen

Question 6

Origin of the pudendal nerve

Answer 6

S2-S4

Question 7

What muscle covers the obturator foramen?

Answer 7

Obturator internus

Question 8

What does the obturator internus muscle attach to distally and how does it get out of the pelvic cavity?

Answer 8

Exits through lesser sciatic foramen and attaches to femur (to laterally rotate hip)

Question 9

Five differences in the female pelvis as opposed to the male pelvis

Answer 9

Wider, Shallower, Everted ischial spines (dont protrude inward as much), sacrum less curved, larger pelvic inlet and outlet

Question 10

A pelvic diameter is considered adequate for childbirth if how many fingers can be inserted between what two points?

Answer 10

3 fingers side by side between ischial tuberosities

Question 11

What is the boundary between the perineum and the pelvis?

Answer 11

The pelvic diaphragm

Question 12

What is the pelvic diaphragm composed of?

Answer 12

The coccygeus and levator ani muscles

Question 13

Give the origin, attachment, and function of the coccygeus muscle

Answer 13

Origin - Ischial spine, Attachment - Sacrum, Functions - Steady pelvis and form muscular closure of pelvic outlet

Question 14

Give the attachments of the levator ani muscles

Answer 14

Coccyx and sacrum (posterior), Pubic bones (anterior), Ischial spines and arcuas tendinous levator ani (ATLA) (lateral)

Question 15

What is the ATLA and what is it composed of?

Answer 15

Arcus Tendinous Levator Ani. It is really just deep fascia

Question 16

5 syndromes which are related to pelvic floor disfunction

Answer 16

Urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, chronic pelvic pain syndromes, sexual dysfunction, visceral prolapse (e.g. uterus)

Question 17

What are the ischioanal (ischiorectal) fossae?

Answer 17

Extra spaces lateral to the floor of the pelvic diaphragm which allow for expansion and support. These spaces are filled with fat and loose connective tissue

Question 18

What vessels run in the pudendal canal and what structure of the inferior pelvis carries this canal?

Answer 18

Internal pudendal artery, internal pudendal vein, pudendal nerve, nerve to obturator internus. This canal travels through ischioanal (ischiorectal) fossae