Exam IV Pelvic Flashcards
How is the pelvic cavity positioned in vivo?
- pelvic inlet is angled 50-60 degrees forward
- making pelvic cavity project posteriorly from abdominal cavity
How does the female pelvis compare to the male pelvis?
- wider, shallower
- larger pelvic inlet & outlet
- pelvic inlet more round in shape
- blunter ischial spines
What is the narrowest portion of the pelvic canal?
interspinous distance (between ischial spines)
How much larger does pelvic canal become in later half of pregnancy?
10-15%
What pelvic structures are intraperitoneal?
uterine tubes only
What is the pouch of Douglas?
retrouterine pouch
What forms pelvic diaphragm?
- levator ani
- coccygeus
- fascia membranes
What is the innervation ABOVE the peritoneum, and what are the functions?
- sympathetic from lumbar splanchnics
- vasomotor, inhibits rectal contraction, stimulates genitals
What is the innervation BELOW the peritoneum, and what are the functions?
1) parasympathetic from pelvic splanchnics
- contraction of rectum & bladder, erect genitals
2) somatic (from pudendal nerve)
Where is the perineal membrane located in males?
just below prostate
The pelvic cavity is supplied by which 2 arteries?
internal iliac (primarily) and inferior mesenteric artery
Is the urge to urinate sympathetic or parasympathetic?
parasympathetic
Is ejaculation sympathetic or parasympathetic?
sympathetic
How does the female urinary system compare to that of the male?
- urethra is shorter (4 cm)
- internal sphincter runs entire length of urethra
- levator ani muscle runs along sphincter (prostate is between them in males)
Where is prostate CA most likely to develop?
peripheral zone
What structure is considered the female prostate?
Skene’s glands (paraurethral mucous glands)
What is the position of the uterus relative to the bladder?
Anteflexed
What is the position of the uterus relative to the vagina?
anteverted (tilted forward)
What suspends ovary?
- mesovarium from broad ligament
- suspensory ligament of ovary (from pelvic wall)
What muscle covers the crura?
ischiocavernosus
What muscle covers the bulb of the vestibule?
bulbospongiosus
What is the function of the greater vestibular (Bartholin’s) glands?
secrete mucus into vestibule with arousal
The superior rectal artery arises from the –
inferior mesenteric artery
The middle rectal artery is a branch of what artery?
internal iliac
