Pelvic Floor Flashcards
Breathing (inhalation)
thoracic diaphragm contracts and flattens, pushing the pelvic diaphragm downwards w/ it
Breathing (exhalation)
both thoracic and pelvic diaphragm relax and come back up
Hip Bones
ilium, ischium, pubis
Sacroiliac Joint
synovial, stable
Pubic Symphysis
cartilaginous, fibrocartilaginous disc b/w articular surfaces of pubic bones, stable
Sacrococcygeal
cartilaginous, symphysis
Difference b/w Male and Female Pelvis
the male pelvis
- heavier (more prominent attachment sites)
- more prominent sacral promontory
- ischial spines more medial
- heart shaped (female is oval shaped)
- more narrow angle of pubic arch
Male Anatomy
- urinary and reproductive systems are combined
- longer bladder system
- prostate gland provides cushion, making men more continent (less leakage)
Perineum
surface region b/w pubic symphysis and coccyx and b/w ischial tuberosities
- made up of two triangles: urogenital, anal
Nerve Supply to Pelvic Floor Muscles
pudendal nerve (S2, S3, S4)
- “S2-4, keeps pee and poo off the floor”
Superficial Layer of Pelvic Floor
bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, superficial transverse perineal muscle, external anal sphincter
Penis vs Clitoris
- same embyronic origins and parts
- embryonic genital tubercle becomes head of penis and clitoral gland
- primarily responsible for orgasm (sensory)
- penis contains urethra (clitoris does not)
Cremaster Muscle
males only; thin layer of muscle surrounding testes and spermatic cord that restracts testes in low temperature
Functions of Pelvic Floor
- support
- sphincteric
- sexual
- stability
- sump pump (blood & lymph)
Walls of Pelvic Floor
- piriformis = posterior wall
- obturator internus = side wall
