Pelvic floor and fascia (Dave's notes) Flashcards
From what does the pelvic floor arise?
The pelvic floor arises in continuity from the spine of the ischium, the white line over obturator fascia and the body of the pubis
Into what does the pelvic floor insert?
The coccyx and anococcygeal raphe
What separates the levator ani muscle?
A small triangular gap
What happens to the muscle fibres of the pelvic floor anteriorly?
They swing more medially and inferiorly around the anorectal junction, joining their fellows
What is this more anterior part of the pelvic floor called? What is notable about this muscle?
Puborectalis. There is no midline raphe here.
What happens to the more medial fibres of puborectalis? What is this called?
The u-shaped ring passes behind the prostate or vagina into the perineal body. Called levator prostatae or pubovaginalis
What happens to the MOST medial fibres of puborectalis?
They pass by the utrethra and can have some sphincteric action.
Where is the deep dorsal vein found?
In the midline between the puboprostatis and the pubovesival ligaments.
Describe the fascia of the wall of the pelvis
The fascia of the wall of the pelvis is a strong membrane covering the muscles, firmly attached to periosteum
Describe the fascia of the floor of the pelvis
The fascia of the floor of the pelvis is really only an epimysium
What is an epimysium?
A sheath of fibrous elastic tissue surrounding a muscle
How may the fascia of pelvic viscera vary?
It is loose or dense in conformity with the distensibility of the organ.
What is the fascia of Waldeyer part of? Where is it found? What does it separate?
The fascia of Waldeyer is part of the pelvic wall fascia. It sweeps downward in the hollow of the sacrum, with spinal nerves external and vessels internal.
What do condensations of the fascia of the pelvic floor form?
Condensations of the fascia of the pelvic floor areolar tissue form the lateral ligaments of the uterus and bladder.
What two ligaments of their own right are found in the pelvic floor?
The puboprostatic and pubovescial ligaments.
