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MIDW1002 A&P exam > Pelvic Floor > Flashcards

Flashcards in Pelvic Floor Deck (17)
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1
Q

What is the purpose of the pelvic floor?

A

Support contents of pelvic cavity
Micturition
Defecation
Sexual intercourse
Supports the weight of the uterus in pregnancy
Directs movements and rotation of the fetus in labour

2
Q

Where is the pelvic floor?

A

Extends from symphysis pubis to the sacrum and between lateral walls of pelvis and across pelvic outlet

3
Q

Outline the deep muscle layer

A

Most important layer in terms of physiology of the bladder, vagina, texture and uterus.
Collectively deep muscles known as the Levator ani muscles.
Attached anteriorly to the pubic bone, laterally to the ischial spines, posteriorly to the coccyx and sacrum.
3 groups of muscles:
Pubococcygeus
Iliococcygeus
Ischiococcygeus

4
Q

Outline the pubococcygeus muscles

A

Muscles extend from the inner aspect of the pubic bone to the coccyx.
3 bands- surround urethra, vagina, anus
Crossing fibres at the perineum

5
Q

Outline the iliococcygeus

A

Extend from the inner aspect of the iliac bone and fibres from each side meet in the midline in the perineum before extending to the coccyx

6
Q

Outline the Ischiococcygeus

A

Arise from ischial spine and pass to lower sacrum and upper coccyx
Help support joints of the pelvis

7
Q

Outline the superficial muscle layer

A

Much smaller than Levator ani

Vitally important in maintaining the overall strength of the pelvis

8
Q

What are the external urethral and anal sphincters?

A

Anal sphincter surrounds anal orifice some fibres extending to perineal body to attach to the coccyx.
External sphincter of the urethra- arises and embed in the pubic bone having passed above and below the urethra.
Control defecation and micturition

9
Q

What is the perineal body?

A

The muscles and connective tissue situated between the vaginal and rectal canals
Most likely to be damaged in childbirth
A lot of the pelvic floor muscles join here.

10
Q

What does the perineal body consist of?

A

Layer of skin at base
Bulbocavernosus and transverse perinei of superficial muscles
Pubococcygeus of deep muscles

11
Q

What is the function of the perineal body?

A

Assist in birth process
Assist in defeacation
May become torn in childbirth

12
Q

How does the pelvic floor change in pregnancy?

A

Relaxed due to relaxin hormone

This aids birth however may cause incontinence at later stages in pregnancy

13
Q

How does the pelvic floor change in labour?

A

Muscles of the pelvis floor will aid the expulsive action of the birth canal
All tissues in the birth canal become distended
Rectum and pelvic floor pushed downward and outwards

14
Q

What is a first degree tear?

A

Minor damage involving the fourchette and perineal skin

15
Q

What is a second degree tear?

A

Involves fourchette and muscles of pelvic floor

16
Q

What is a third degree tear?

A

Involving the external anal sphincter as well as the structures of a second degree tear

17
Q

What is an episiotomy?

A

Surgical incision into perineum before delivery to aid the birth of the fetus
Incision of the fourchette,mother skin of the perineum, the posterior vaginal wall and superficial muscles of the pelvic floor.
Mediolateral - 45 degree angle from the anus and ischial tuberosities. Associated with smaller blood loss and easier to repair