Supporting Structures Of The Female Pelvis/ Pelvic Muscles

The sacrum is formed by the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae.

The modified segments of the vertebral column are the sacrum and coccyx. These segments are located at the bottom of the vertebral column and are formed by the fusion of several vertebrae. The sacrum is made up of five fused vertebrae and connects the spine to the hip bones, providing stability to the pelvis. The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is formed by the fusion of four small vertebrae and serves as an attachment site for various muscles and ligaments.

Sonographically, pelvic muscles can have a similar appearance to ovaries and masses. This means that when viewing an ultrasound image, the pelvic muscles may resemble the shape and texture of ovaries or masses, leading to potential confusion or misinterpretation. It is important for medical professionals to carefully differentiate between these structures to accurately diagnose any abnormalities or conditions.

The socket for the femoral head is called the acetabulum. The acetabulum is a cup-shaped structure in the pelvis that forms the hip joint. It is located on the lateral side of the pelvis and articulates with the femoral head to allow for smooth movement and stability of the hip joint.

The pelvic diaphragm is a group of muscles that forms the floor of the pelvic cavity. It consists of two main muscles, the levator ani and the coccygeus muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence. Therefore, the statement that the pelvic diaphragm is made up of the levator ani and the coccygeus muscles is true.

female

The psoas muscle is seen as a "bulls eye" on a transabdominal transverse scan. This is because the psoas muscle appears as a round structure with a central hypoechoic (dark) area surrounded by a hyperechoic (bright) rim, resembling the target-like pattern of a bull's eye.

The muscle that supports the coccyx and is a muscle of the pelvic diaphragm is called the coccygeus muscle. This muscle is located in the pelvic region and helps to support and stabilize the coccyx, which is the small triangular bone at the base of the spine. The coccygeus muscle plays an important role in maintaining proper posture and providing support to the pelvic organs.

The psoas muscle is not exclusively a pelvic muscle and extends through the abdominal region as well. It is a deep muscle that originates in the lumbar spine and runs down through the pelvis, attaching to the femur. It plays a role in both hip flexion and stabilization of the lumbar spine. Due to its location and function, the psoas muscle is involved in various movements and activities, such as walking, running, and maintaining proper posture.

The bony pelvis serves multiple functions. It protects the reproductive organs, such as the uterus, ovaries, and bladder, from external trauma. It also directs the pathway for the fetal head during childbirth, ensuring a safe passage for the baby. Additionally, the bony pelvis provides support for the female reproductive organs, helping to maintain their proper position and function.

The levator ani is a group of muscles that form the pelvic floor. It consists of the iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and puborectalis muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence. The iliococcygeus muscle extends from the ischial spine to the coccyx, while the pubococcygeus muscle runs from the pubic bone to the coccyx. The puborectalis muscle forms a sling-like structure around the rectum. Together, these muscles help control the opening and closing of the anus and provide support to the pelvic organs.

The ilium, ischium, and pubis are three bones that make up the pelvis. These bones fuse together at a specific point called the acetabulum. The acetabulum is a cup-shaped socket located on the lateral side of the pelvis, where the head of the femur (thigh bone) articulates. This joint is known as the hip joint and allows for movement and stability of the lower limb.

The muscle that lies alongside the bony pelvic wall, lateral to the ovaries, and functions to rotate the thigh outward is called the obturator internus.

The coccyx is the fusion of coccygeal vertebrae and provides attachment for muscles and ligaments. The term "pelvic" is used to describe the area of the body that includes the coccyx, so option 4, pelvic, is the correct answer.

little or no motion

The correct answer is ilium, ischium, and pubis. These three bones fuse together to form the large innominate bones. The ilium is the largest and most superior bone, forming the upper part of the hip bone. The ischium is the posterior and inferior bone, forming the lower part of the hip bone. The pubis is the anterior and inferior bone, forming the front part of the hip bone. Together, these three bones provide stability and support to the pelvis and play a crucial role in walking and weight-bearing activities.

The fibers of the muscle below the level of the crest interconnect with the fibers of the iliacus muscle, forming the iliopsoas muscle. The iliopsoas muscle is composed of the iliac and psoas muscles, and it is located medially.

The muscle that originates from the sacrum and courses laterally through the greater sciatic foramen on the greater trochanter of the femur is called the piriformis.

The acetabulum forms the outer surface of the innominate bone. The acetabulum is a cup-shaped socket located on the lateral side of the innominate bone, which is part of the pelvis. It is where the head of the femur (thigh bone) articulates, forming the hip joint. The acetabulum is a crucial component of the pelvis, providing stability and support for the lower body during weight-bearing activities.

If the levator ani muscles fail to function properly, it can lead to the prolapse of pelvic organs. The levator ani muscles are responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles weaken or become damaged, the organs may descend or protrude into the vaginal canal or even outside the body. This can cause symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Treatment options for prolapse of pelvic organs may include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

The innominate bones are joined together posteriorly at the sacrum and anteriorly at midline at the pubic symphysis. The sacrum is a large triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae. The pubic symphysis is a cartilaginous joint between the pubic bones, located in the front of the pelvis. These two points of connection allow the innominate bones to form the pelvic girdle, providing stability and support for the lower limbs and organs of the pelvis.

The pelvic diaphragm supports the pelvic viscera and forms the pelvic floor.

The levator ani is a muscle mass that forms a tripart hammock across the floor of the pelvis and supports the rectum and pelvic organs.

The correct order of the muscles of the levator ani from posterior to anterior is iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and puborectalis. The iliococcygeus muscle is the most posterior, followed by the pubococcygeus muscle, and finally the puborectalis muscle, which is the most anterior. These muscles form a hammock-like structure in the pelvic floor and are responsible for supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining continence.

The bony pelvis of the adult female is composed of the sacrum, coccyx, and innominate bones. The sacrum is a triangular bone located at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae. The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is a small bone located at the end of the vertebral column. The innominate bones, also called the hip bones, are large bones that make up the sides and front of the pelvis. Together, these bones form a ring-shaped structure that provides support and protection for the pelvic organs.

seen in a transverse view/ on the lateral wall

The muscles of the female pelvis are categorized into two groups: the pelvic wall muscles and the pelvic diaphragm/floor muscles. The pelvic wall muscles refer to the muscles that line the walls of the pelvis, providing support and stability. On the other hand, the pelvic diaphragm/floor muscles are located at the bottom of the pelvis and play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, controlling urinary and fecal continence, and facilitating childbirth.

lateral* rotator of hip