Pelvis and Pelvic Cavity Flashcards
What do the Iliac crests of the Pelvis form?
Transtubercular plane
What is the intercristal plane?
Joining of highest points of pelvis at the back
How are female Pelvis different?
Wider and broader for adaptation for childbirth
What are the ways that the Pelvis differs?
1) Larger angled sub-pubic arch
2) Pelvic outlet is rounder
3) Ischial Spine projects further into the male pelvic cavity
What are the 3 functions of the pelvis?
1) Transfer of weight
2) Attachment for muscles and ligaments
3) Contains and protects pelvic viscera
What are the 2 hiatuses of pelvic floor and what passes through?
1) UG: Urethra/Vagina
2) Rectal: Anal canal
What are the functions of the pelvic floor muscles?
1) Support abdomino-pelvic viscera
2) Resist increases in intra pelvic pressures
3) Maintain urinary and faecal continence
What are the 2 main muscles of the pelvic floor?
1) Levator Ani Muscles
2) Coccygeus
How is levator ani innervated and its function?
Branches of Peudendal nerve S2-4
Maintains faecal continence and during defecation muscle relaxes
What is the perineum?
Anatomical space below the pelvic diaphragm, diamond shaped, containing urinary, GI and reproductive viscera
What divides anterior and posterior triangles of perineum?
Imaginary line between the ischial tuberosities
What is the broad ligament?
Double peritoneum layer that attaches the uterus to pelvis (Acts as mesentery)
What is the round ligament and role?
Remnant of gubernaculum
Maintains anteverted position of uterus.
What is the function of the bladder?
Collection, temporary storage and expulsion of urine
What are 3 ways that it is specialised?
1) Rugae so can expand
2) Detrusor muscle so relaxes in storage, increasing volume
3) Urethral sphincters contract
Which urethral sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle?
External so under voluntary control
What are the 3 parts of the uterus?
1) Fundus
2) Body
3) Cervix
Where is the uterus found compared to the bladder?
Postero-superior
What is the natural position of the uterus?
Anteverted and anteflexed to the vagina (Rotated towards anterior surface of body)
What is found in the cardinal ligament?
Uterine artery and vein
What is the role of the uterine tubes and its named aprts?
Assisting in transport and transfer of ovum from ovary to uterus
Isthmus –> Ampulla –> Infundibulum
What is the role of Fimbriae?
To capture the ovum
What is the uterine tube blood supply?
Ovarian and Uterine arteries
What are 2 functions of the ovaries?
1) Production of oocytes
2) Production of oestrogen and progesterone
What is the term for external female genitalia?
Vulva
What are the 3 functions of the Vagina?
1) Receives penis in intercourse
2) Expands providing delivery channel for childbirth
3) Serves as a canal for menstrual fluid to leave the body
What is found in the vaginal mucosa?
1) Stratified squamous epithelium
2) Elastic lamina propria
What are 3 functions of the vulva?
1) Sensory tissue in sex
2) assist in micturition
3) Defend internal female reproductive tract from infection
What is the ejaculatory duct formed from?
Vas Deferens and Seminal Vesicle
What is the function of the prostate glands?
Secrete proteolytic enzymes to break down clotting factors in ejaculate, so semen can stay fluid
Which 2 vessels pierce the prostate?
1) Urethra
2) Ejaculatory Ducts
What are the parts of male urethra?
1) Prostatic: Urethra descend through prostate
2) Membranous: Urethra transvers UG diaphragm
3) Penile: Urethra travels through bulb, corpus spongiosum and glans of penis
What is a retroverted uterus?
Uterus rotated towards PAW, lie on rectum
