Anatomy of the pelvis

Question 1

The bony pelvis consists of…

Answer 1

Hip bones (x2)
Sacrum
Coccyx

Question 2

Each hip bone consists of…

Answer 2

Ilium
Ischium
Pubis

Question 3

Two main ligaments of the bony pelvis? Together what do these ligaments form?

Answer 3

Sacrotuberous and sacrospinous. The greater and lesser sciatic foraminae

Question 4

Define the borders of the pelvic cavity

Answer 4

Within the bony pelvis, continuous with the abdominal cavity above; lies between the pelvic inlet and the pelvic floor

Question 5

Main muscle of the pelvic floor

Answer 5

Levator ani

Question 6

Moulding

Answer 6

Process which allows the foetal skull to change shape to pass through the pelvis

Question 7

Sutures of the skull

Answer 7

Frontal, coronal, saggital, lambdoid

Question 8

Why should the foetal head ideally enter the pelvic cavity facing laterally?

Answer 8

Because the foetal head is longer than it is wide, and the transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet is wider than the AP diameter

Question 9

What should happen to the foetal head as it passes through the pelvic cavity?

Answer 9

It should rotate, and be flexed (chin to chest)

Question 10

How should the foetal head leave the pelvic cavity during delivery?

Answer 10

In an occipitoanterior position, with head in extension