Pelvic Anatomy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the broad ligament of the uterus?

To facilitate childbirth

To cover and support the uterus and surrounding structures (correct)

To anchor the ovaries to the pelvic wall

To transport eggs to the uterus

Which of the following structures is NOT a part of the broad ligament?

Uterosacral ligament (correct)

Mesosalpinx

Mesometrium

Mesovarium

Where does the perineal membrane attach laterally?

To the pubic arch (correct)

To the pelvic diaphragm

To the ischial tuberosities

To the coccyx

During pregnancy, how far can the tip of the uterus reach by the 9th month?

To the xiphoid process Signup and view all the answers

What area lies anterior to the ischial tuberosities in the perineum?

Urogenital triangle Signup and view all the answers

What type of structure is the perineal membrane?

Fibrous Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament does NOT support the uterus and cervix?

Suspensory ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which triangle in the perineum is located posterior to the ischial tuberosities?

Anal triangle Signup and view all the answers

What structures are contained within the deep perineal pouch?

Urethra, bulbourethral glands, and external sphincter urethrae muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is responsible for covering the corpora cavernosa of the clitoris?

Ischiocavernosus muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the vestibular glands in females?

To lubricate the labia and vagina Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies blood to the external genitalia?

Internal pudendal artery Signup and view all the answers

Which pouch is located superior to the perineal membrane?

Deep perineal pouch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a structure found within the superficial perineal pouch?

Deep transverse perineal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What separates the labia majora from the vagina in females?

Labia minora Signup and view all the answers

The bulb of the vestibule is associated with which anatomical feature in females?

Vagina Signup and view all the answers

What does the middle rectal vein drain into?

Caval system Signup and view all the answers

Which vein is formed by the union of tributaries corresponding to the internal iliac artery?

Internal iliac vein Signup and view all the answers

Which veins are involved in the drainage of the perineum?

Deep dorsal clitoral vein and deep dorsal penile vein Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary arterial supply to the perineum?

Internal pudendal artery Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure does the external iliac vein primarily continue from?

Femoral vein Signup and view all the answers

Where do testicular veins originate from in relation to their arterial counterparts?

From the pampiniform plexus Signup and view all the answers

Which veins drain the pelvic viscera?

Internal iliac veins Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consequence of the dual drainage system of rectal veins?

Portal hypertension can lead to hemorrhoids Signup and view all the answers

What muscles primarily make up the pelvic diaphragm?

Levator ani and coccygeus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the levator ani muscle?

Transversus perinei Signup and view all the answers

How many openings are present in the pelvic diaphragm for males?

Two Signup and view all the answers

Which pouches are formed by the peritoneum in females?

Rectouterine and vesicouterine Signup and view all the answers

Which arteries provide vascular supply to the rectum?

Inferior mesenteric, internal iliac, and pudendal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pelvic diaphragm?

Support viscera and maintain closure of the rectum and vagina Signup and view all the answers

What structures do the ureters connect?

Kidneys to the urinary bladder Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve innervates the testes and epididymis?

Vagus nerve Signup and view all the answers

What primarily fills the ischiorectal fossa?

Fat Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is considered part of the anal triangle?

The anal canal Signup and view all the answers

What does the internal iliac artery primarily supply?

Pelvic viscera and pelvic wall Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nerves innervates the scrotum?

Pudendal nerves Signup and view all the answers

From which artery does the inferior epigastric artery branch?

External iliac artery Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle is the internal anal sphincter?

Smooth muscle Signup and view all the answers

What portion of the rectum does the anal canal constitute?

Inferior to the pelvic diaphragm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pelvic Diaphragm

Cone-like structure at the pelvic base, formed by levator ani and coccygeus muscles.
Levator ani is a paired muscle group, consisting of puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus parts.
Functions include supporting pelvic viscera, regulating abdominal pressure, and maintaining closure of rectum and vagina.
Males have two openings: anus and urethra; females have three, adding a vaginal opening.

Pelvic Cavity Orientation

Peritoneum creates pouches over pelvic viscera: rectouterine and vesicouterine pouches in females, rectovesical pouch in males.
Peritoneal folds, such as the broad ligament of the uterus, provide support to pelvic structures.

Pelvic Viscera

Rectum extends from sigmoid colon with blood supply from inferior mesenteric, internal iliac, and pudendal arteries.
Urinary system includes ureters, which transport urine from kidneys to bladder.
Muscular tube runs from cervix to vestibule, collapsing except where held open by uterine cervix.

Supporting Structures

Broad ligament of the uterus consists of three parts:
- Mesometrium covers the uterus.
- Mesovarium covers the ovary.
- Mesosalpinx covers the uterine tube.
Uterus and cervix are supported by pubocervical, uterosacral, and transverse cervical ligaments.
Pregnancy can significantly enlarge the uterus, reaching the xiphoid process by the ninth month.

Perineum

Diamond-shaped region beneath the pelvic diaphragm, containing external genitalia.
Urogenital triangle is anterior to ischial tuberosities; anal triangle is posterior.
Perineal membrane provides structure, dividing deep and superficial perineal pouches.
Deep perineal pouch contains external sphincter urethrae, deep transverse perineal muscles, and pelvic viscera.
Superficial perineal pouch includes urethra, erectile tissues, and pudendal nerve supply.

Female External Genitalia

Labia majora and minora are skin folds protecting urethra and vagina.
Clitoris is an erectile organ with corpora cavernosa covered by ischiocavernosus muscle.
Bulb of the vestibule is located on either side of the vagina, covered by bulbospongiosus muscle.
Vestibular glands provide lubrication; supplied by internal and external pudendal arteries.

Anal Triangle

Contains ischiorectal fossa filled with fat, bordered by pudendal nerves and vessels.
Anal canal situated inferior to pelvic diaphragm, containing voluntary external and involuntary internal anal sphincter muscles.

Vasculature of the Pelvic Cavity

Descending aorta bifurcates into right and left common iliac arteries, further dividing into internal and external iliac arteries.
Internal iliac artery primarily supplies pelvic viscera, branching into anterior and posterior trunks.
Venous return involves the internal iliac vein, draining pelvic structures, and joins with external iliac vein to form common iliac veins leading to inferior vena cava.

Perineal Vasculature

Internal pudendal artery supplies the perineum, including clitoris and penis.
Testicular and ovarian veins accompany their respective arteries, serving in heat exchange and proper blood drainage.

Nervous Supply

Innervation of pelvic structures derives from autonomic nerve branches, with pudendal nerves primarily affecting external genitalia and perineum.

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Description

Explore the essential components of the pelvic diaphragm, its musculature, and the orientation of pelvic viscera. This quiz covers the anatomical structures, their functions, and the differences between male and female pelvic anatomy. Test your knowledge on pelvic orientation and viscera!