Female Pelvis

Question 1

Name 5 functions of the pelvis

Answer 1

1. Cradles and protects the reproductive organs
2. Absorbs and dissipates the ground reaction
   force as it transfers from the feet to the pelvis
   when walking or running
3. Offers attachment for the lower limbs
4. Transfers weight of the trunk onto the legs
5. Takes the weight of the sitting body

Question 2

Name the four bones of the pelvis

Answer 2

Two innominate bones (hip bones)
One sacrum
One coccyx

Question 3

The 2 innominate bones are joined together anteriorly by which joint?

Answer 3

Symphysis pubis

Question 4

Which 2 joints connect the innominate bones to the sacrum?

Answer 4

Sacroiliac joints

Question 5

Name the joint which connects the coccyx to the sacrum?

Answer 5

Sacrococcygeal joint

Question 6

The 2 innominate bones are each formed by the fusion of 3 bones around the acetabulum. What is the acetabulum?

Answer 6

The socket of the hip bone

Question 7

Which part of the pubic bone are the levator ani attached to?

Answer 7

The inner surface of the pubic bone

Question 8

How many fused vertebrae make up the sacrum?

Answer 8

Five

Question 9

Which lumber vertebra does the sacrum articulate with?

Answer 9

Last lumbar vertebrae

Question 10

The sacroiliac joint is described as being a synovial joint. What does this mean?

Answer 10

Joints lubricated with synovial fluid, cushion the joints and allow free movement

Question 11

The coccyx is composed of 4 small fused vertebrae. Which of the following muscles are not attached to the coccyx?

a) Bulbocavernosus
b) Rectus abdominus
c) Pubococcygeus
d) Transverse perineal
e) Iliococcygeus

Answer 11

Bulbocavernous

Question 12

Name the FIVE pelvic joints which are held together by ligaments

Answer 12

Interpubic ligaments at the symphysis pubis
Sacroiliac ligaments
Sacrococcygeal ligaments
Sacrotuberous
Sacrospinous

Question 13

Name the EIGHT points of the pelvic brim

Answer 13

Starting at the back and moving clockwise:
Sacreal Promontory
Sacreal Ala
Sacroiliac Joint
Iliopectinial Line
Iliopectinial Eminence
Superior Ramus
Upper Inner Border of Pubic Bone
Upper Inner Border of Symphysis Pubis

Question 14

Identify the two points on the brim between which the following diameters lie and the measurement of each diameter:
Anteroposterior
Transverse
Right Oblique
Left Oblique

Answer 14

Anteroposterior - Sacrum to Pubic Bone (11cm)
Transverse - Left to right Inonimate Bone (13cm)
Right Oblique - Right sacrum to left ishium (12cm)
Left Oblique - Left sacrum to right ishium (12cm)

Question 15

What forms the anterior wall of the pelvic cavity?

Answer 15

The pubic bone and symphysis pubis

Question 16

What forms the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity?

Answer 16

The curve of the sacrum

Question 17

What is generally agreed to be the diameter of the pelvic cavity?

Answer 17

12cm

Question 18

Identify the two points of the obstetric outlet between which the following diameters lie and their diameters:
Anteroposterior
Transverse
Obliques

Answer 18

Anteroposterior - Lower border of symphysis pubis to sacrococcyygeal joint (13cm)

Transverse - between ischial spines (10-11cm)

Obliques - From obturator foramen and sacrospinous ligament (12cm)