S10) Pelvic Cavity and Pelvic Floor Flashcards

1
Q

Identify the 5 functions of the pelvic floor

A
  • Supports the pelvic organs (vagina, uterus, ovaries, bladder, rectum)
  • Maintains intra-abdominal pressure (coughing, vomiting, sneezing, laughing)
  • Facilitates defaecation and micturition
  • Maintains urinary and faecal continence
  • Facilitate childbirth
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the three types of support provided by the pelvic floor?

A
  • Suspension
  • Attachment
  • Fusion
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe which ligaments allow the pelvic floor to support pelvic organs through suspension

A

Suspension is vertical support (against gravity) wherein:

  • The cardinal ligaments hold the cervix and upper vagina in place
  • The uterosacral ligaments hold the back of the cervix and upper vagina laterally
  • Round ligament maintains the anteverted position of the uterus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

The diaphragm provides support through fusion by involving the urogenital diaphragm and the perineal body.

Describe this

A

The lower half of the vagina is supported by fusion of the vaginal endopelvic fascia to the perineal body (posteriorly), the levator ani (laterally) and the urethra (anteriorly)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What composes the pelvic floor?

A
  • Levator ani muscles
  • Urogenital diaphragm/perineal membrane
  • Perineal body
  • Perineal muscles
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

The pelvic floor is composed predominantly of the levator ani muscles.

Describe their structure and anatomical location

A
  • Form a broad U-shaped sheet which stretches posteromedially from either side of the pelvis to meet in the middle line
  • They encircle the urethra, vagina, rectum and reaching the coccyx
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Which muscles compose the levator ani muscles?

A
  • Pubococcygeus
  • Puborectalis
  • Iliococcygeus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the origin and attachment of the levator ani muscles

A
  • Origin: posterior pubic rami, obturator internus, medial aspect of ischial spine
  • Attachment: insert as they encircle the urethra / vagina / rectum/ lower part of the coccyx
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the urogenital diaphragm?

A

The urogenital diaphragm is a triangular sheet of dense fibrous tissue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

The urogenital diaphragm supports the pelvic floor.

In three steps, describe its anatomical course

A

⇒ Spans the anterior half of the pelvic outlet

⇒ Arises from the inferior ischiopubic ramus

⇒ Attaches medially to the urethra, vagina, perineal body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

The perineal body provides a point of insertion of the levator ani muscles.

Describe its anatomical location

A
  • Occupies a central position on the pelvic floor, between the vagina and rectum
  • Attaches posteriorly to the external anal sphincter and the coccyx
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

A

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a wide range of issues that occur when muscles of the pelvic floor are weak, tight / there is an impairment of the sacroiliac joint, lower back, coccyx, or hip joints

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Identify 4 causes of pelvic floor dysfunction

A
  • Drugs eg. opiates
  • Dehydration
  • Immobility
  • Pregnancy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Identify some risk factors of pelvic floor dysfunction

A
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Obstetric trauma (episiotomy)
  • FGM
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

A

POP refers to the loss of support for the uterus, bladder, colon or rectum, leading to prolapse of one or more of these organs into the vagina

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

The aetiology for POP is complex.

However, identify 6 risk factors

A
  • Age
  • Vaginal delivery
  • Postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency
  • Obesity
  • Neurological eg. muscular dystrophy
  • Genetic connective tissue disorder eg. Marfan’s, Ehlers Danlos
17
Q

What is female genital mutilation?

A

Female genital mutilation refers to all procedures involving the partial/total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs, whether for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons

18
Q

What are the different types of FGM?

A
19
Q

Identify 5 acute consequences of FGM

A
  • Haemorrhage
  • Sepsis
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV
  • Death
20
Q

Identify 5 late consequences of FGM

A
  • Sexual difficulties (fertility & relationship issues)
  • Chronic pain
  • Keloid scar formation
  • Dysmenorrhoea
  • Urinary outflow obstruction
21
Q

Identify 5 neonatal and obstetric consequences of FGM

A
  • Fear of childbirth
  • Increased likelihood of C/S
  • Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
  • Severe vaginal lacerations
  • Episiotomy
22
Q

Identify 5 psychological consequences of FGM

A
  • Flashbacks
  • Feelings of betrayal, usually at a young age
  • Anger
  • Relationship difficulties
  • PTSD
23
Q

FGM is illegal in the UK.

What are the legal requirements for recording and reporting FGM?

A
  • Once defibulation is performed, especially following delivery, must not be refibulated
  • Must report if child <18
24
Q

In a PR examination, which two muscles would you feel contracting when the patient squeezes on the examining finger?

A
  • Puborectalis muscle
  • External anal sphincter
25
Q

What is an episiotomy?

A

An episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall made just before delivery to enlarge the vaginal opening

26
Q

Which tissue structures require repair after an episiotomy?

A
  • Vagina
  • Mucosa
  • Muscles
  • Skin