Overview of Pelvis

Question 1

Interspinous distance

Answer 1

Distance between ischial spines; changes dramatically during pregnancy as the joints relax

Question 2

What distance is the most reliable determinant of the capacity for a vaginal birth?

Answer 2

Interspinous distance is the distance between ischial spines; thus, it’s the minimum dimension along the birth canal. Whereas, true conjugate diameter is the anteroposterior distance, so it doesn’t change.

Question 3

Most of your upper bodys’ weight rests on what?

Answer 3

Ischial tuberosity

Question 4

The distance between the sacral promontory and the superior margin of the pubic symphysis

Answer 4

Pelvic brim/pelvic inlet/sagittal inlet

Question 5

Which of these nerves exits the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis muscle?

• Superior gluteal
• Pudendal
• Nerve to the obturator internus
• Posterior femoral cutaneous
• Sciatic

Answer 5

superior gluteal nerve

Question 6

Which of the following structures of the sacrum transmits the ventral rami of S1-S4 and the lateral sacral vessels?

• Base of sacrum
• Sacral promontory
• Anterior sacral foramina
• Apex of sacrum
• Posterior sacral foramina

Answer 6

Anterior sacral foramina

Question 7

Which of these represents the narrowest fixed distance through which the babys’ head must pass in a vaginal delivery?

Answer 7

True conjugate

Question 8

Which of the following ligaments supports the lumbosacral joint?

• Anterior sacroiliac ligament
• Posterior sacroiliac ligament
• Iliolumbar ligament
• Triradiate ligament
• Anococcygeal ligament

Answer 8

The iliolumbar ligament has 5 bands. It’s one of the the 3 vertebra-pelvic ligaments that stabilizes the spine where its lumbar section meets the sacral section of the pelvis. Prevents you from moving side-to-side

The other two are the sacrospinous and the sacrotuberous ligaments

Question 9

Which region of the pelvis is bounded by the inferior margin of the pubic symphysis anteriorly, laterally by the ischiopubic rami, and posteriorly by the tip of the coccyx?

• Pelvic outlet
• Pelvic inlet
• Pelvic brim

Answer 9

Pelvic outlet

Question 10

Which region of the pelvic girdle is formed by the sacral promontory, anterior border of the ala of the sacrum, arcuate line laterally and the pubic crest anteriorly?

Answer 10

Pelvic inlet