Pelvis Anatomy

The pelvic cavity is located in direct continuity with the abdominal cavity. It contains the urinary bladder, the rectum and anal canal, and the internal reproductive organs (including the vaginal canal, uterus, and ovaries in women; the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostate in men). The pelvis itself also provides points of attachment for the lower limbs into the trunk.

In this course, the student will be introduced to the anatomy of the bony pelvis, male and female reproductive organs, the pelvic floor and perineum, the irrigation, the venous and lymphatic drainage, and innervation of the pelvic cavity.

For optimal comprehension, the student is encouraged to correlate the lessons of this course with their counterparts in histology, physiology, and embryology.

In the specialty of OB-GYN, a good grasp of the anatomy of a woman’s bony pelvis and pelvic cavity is required to successfully assist her in the process of childbirth, as well as a myriad of regular surgical procedures (e.g., salpingectomy, oophorectomy). In the specialty of urology, the male pelvis becomes a major point of focus, also because of commonly performed surgical procedures (e.g., varicocelectomy, prostatectomy).

For a general physician and nurse, clinical diagnosis of conditions affecting the organs of the pelvis require a good understanding of the underlying anatomy.