Biological Female Pelvis

Question 1

Boundaries of ischioanal fossa

Answer 1

Lies between pelvic floor and perineal membrane

Question 2

What layer of tissue separates superficial and deep perineal pouches?

Answer 2

Perineal membrane

Question 3

Structures in the superficial perineal pouch

Answer 3

The fe/male erectile tissue, the greater vestibular glands, and the following skeletal muscles:
Bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus and the superficial transverse perineal muscles

Question 4

Structures in the deep perineal pouch

Answer 4

• The deep transverse perineal muscles – these stabilize the perineal body and provide structural support to adjacent pelvic and perineal structures.
• Compressor urethrae – these constrict the urethra.
• Part of the urethra.
• The external urethral sphincter – this constricts the urethra.
• The vagina.

Question 5

Greater vestibular glands function

Answer 5

They produce mucosal secretions that lubricate the vagina when sexually aroused

Question 6

Bulbospongiosus function

Answer 6

It stabilizes the perineal body, expresses secretions of the greater vestibular glands, and assists in clitoral erection

Question 7

Ischiocavernosus function

Answer 7

It assists in clitoral erection

Question 8

Perineal body

Answer 8

The perineal body is an irregular, fibromuscular mass that acts as an attachment site for a number of the perineal muscles, primarily the deep transverse perineal muscles and external anal sphincter. It is continuous with the perineal membrane.

Question 9

Birth stages

Answer 9

Stage 1- Descent- This is the descent of the head into the lesser pelvis across the pelvic brim. The fetal skull is ‘looking’ towards the mother’s hip joint. As the fetal skull passes the pelvic inlet, it is under the influence of the shape of the pelvic floor.
Stage 2- Flexion- Head flexion (i.e. tucking the chin towards the neck) occurs as the fetus contacts the medially sloping pelvic floor.
Stage 3- Internal Rotation- The head rotates internally as it reaches the bottom of the pelvic floor. The occiput usually rotates anteriorly towards the pelvic symphysis. The fetal skull is now ‘looking’ towards the mother’s sacrum. As fetal skull passes the pelvic outlet, it is no longer under the influence of the shape of the pelvic floor.
Stage 4- Extension- The occiput comes into contact with the rami of the pubis. The fetal skull is no longer influenced by the pelvic floor and so the head extends until it is delivered. The emergence of the skull is called crowning.
Stage 5- External Rotation/ Restitution- Following its delivery, the head rotates to its normal position in-line with the shoulders. The baby’s head is now ‘looking’ at the inside of the mother’s thigh – it is back to its original position.
The shoulders follow the same movements as the skull in order to navigate the bony pelvis