Structure of the Pelvis

Question 1

What are the two main parts of the pelvis?

Answer 1

The true pelvis and the false pelvis.

Question 2

What is the function of the false pelvis?

Answer 2

It supports the abdominal organs and provides a transition to the true pelvis.

Question 3

What structures form the bony pelvis?

Answer 3

The two hip bones (ilium, ischium, pubis), the sacrum, and the coccyx.

Question 4

What is the pubic symphysis?

Answer 4

A fibrocartilaginous joint where the two pubic bones meet anteriorly.

Question 5

Name the prominent landmark of the anterior ilium.

Answer 5

The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Question 6

What is the acetabulum?

Answer 6

The socket in the hip bone that articulates with the head of the femur.

Question 7

Where is the obturator foramen located?

Answer 7

Between the pubis and ischium, it is a large opening in the pelvis.

Question 8

What passes through the obturator foramen?

Answer 8

The obturator nerve, artery, and vein.

Question 9

What forms the pelvic inlet?

Answer 9

The sacral promontory, arcuate line of the ilium, and pubic symphysis.

Question 10

What structure connects the sacrum to the ilium?

Answer 10

The sacroiliac joint.

Question 11

What is the function of the pelvic floor muscles?

Answer 11

To support pelvic organs and maintain continence.

Question 12

Name the two ligaments visible in an anterior view of the pelvis.

Answer 12

The inguinal ligament and the pubic ligament.

Question 13

What is the subpubic angle, and why is it important?

Answer 13

It is the angle formed by the inferior pubic rami; it is wider in females for childbirth.

Question 14

What is the arcuate line?

Answer 14

A smooth ridge on the inner surface of the ilium that contributes to the pelvic brim.

Question 15

Which bones contribute to the anterior wall of the true pelvis?

Answer 15

The pubic bones and the pubic symphysis.

Question 16

What structure forms the roof of the pelvic cavity?

Answer 16

The pelvic brim or the linea terminalis.

Question 17

Which muscles are visible in the anterior view of the pelvis?

Answer 17

The iliacus and psoas major muscles.

Question 18

What structure lies just inferior to the anterior superior iliac spine?

Answer 18

The anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS).

Question 19

What is the ischiopubic ramus?

Answer 19

The combined bony structure of the ischial ramus and the inferior pubic ramus.

Question 20

What distinguishes the female pelvis from the male pelvis?

Answer 20

The female pelvis has a wider pelvic inlet, broader subpubic angle, and a more oval pelvic cavity.

Question 21

What is the iliopubic eminence?

Answer 21

A rounded prominence where the ilium and pubis meet, located on the pelvic brim.

Question 22

What are the components of the pubic bone?

Answer 22

The body of the pubis, superior pubic ramus, and inferior pubic ramus.

Question 23

What is the pectineal line?

Answer 23

A ridge on the superior pubic ramus that forms part of the pelvic brim.

Question 24

Where is the ischial spine located, and what is its significance?

Answer 24

It projects medially from the ischium and serves as an attachment point for the sacrospinous ligament.

Question 25

What is the pubic tubercle?

Answer 25

A small projection on the superior pubic ramus, where the inguinal ligament attaches.

Question 26

What is the function of the sacrospinous ligament?

Answer 26

It connects the sacrum to the ischial spine and forms the greater and lesser sciatic foramina.

Question 27

What forms the anterior wall of the pelvic inlet?

Answer 27

The pubic bones and the pubic symphysis.

Question 28

What is the sacral promontory?

Answer 28

The anterior, superior projection of the sacrum that forms part of the pelvic inlet.

Question 29

What is the arcuate line of the ilium?

Answer 29

A smooth, curved ridge on the inner surface of the ilium that contributes to the pelvic brim.

Question 30

What does the pelvic brim separate?

Answer 30

The false pelvis (above) from the true pelvis (below).

Question 31

What is the pelvic outlet?

Answer 31

The lower boundary of the true pelvis, formed by the pubic arch, ischial tuberosities, sacrotuberous ligaments, and coccyx.

Question 32

What is the role of the inguinal ligament?

Answer 32

It extends from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle and forms the lower boundary of the abdominal wall.

Question 33

Which structure lies superior to the pubic symphysis?

Answer 33

The urinary bladder when distended.

Question 34

What is the difference between the true pelvis and the false pelvis?

Answer 34

The true pelvis contains the pelvic organs, while the false pelvis supports abdominal contents.

Question 35

What is the function of the obturator membrane?

Answer 35

It covers the obturator foramen, leaving a small opening (obturator canal) for neurovascular structures.

Question 36

What is the ischial tuberosity?

Answer 36

A roughened area on the inferior part of the ischium that serves as an attachment for the hamstrings and supports body weight in sitting.

Question 37

What is the subpubic angle, and how does it differ between males and females?

Answer 37

The angle formed by the inferior pubic rami; it is wider in females (>80°) and narrower in males (<70°).

Question 38

What ligament helps stabilize the pubic symphysis?

Answer 38

The superior and inferior pubic ligaments.

Question 39

Which arteries primarily supply the anterior pelvic region?

Answer 39

Branches of the internal iliac artery, including the obturator artery.

Question 40

What structure runs through the obturator canal?

Answer 40

The obturator nerve, artery, and vein.