Pelvic Cavity Anatomy and Physiology
Although the pelvic cavity is in direct continuity
with the abdominal cavity, the two regions are delineated by the pelvic inlet
(pelvic brim). This lies at approximately 45° to the horizontal and comprises
the sacral promontory posteriorly, the arcuate and pectineal lines laterally
and the pubic crests and upper border of pubic symphysis anteriorly (Figs 5.1
& 5.26).
The bony walls of the pelvis give attachment to two pairs of muscles. The
obturator internus and piriformis muscles arise
within the pelvis but their tendons pass out into the gluteal region to reach
the femur. The fascia covering the medial surface of obturator internus is
dense and provides attachment for the pelvic floor. The piriformis muscles
spring from the anterior surface of the sacrum and are partially covered by
the large nerves comprising the sacral plexuses (Fig. 5.4).
In both sexes, the pelvic cavity contains the rectum and bladder along
with the lower parts of the ureters and loops of small or large intestine. The
remaining organs differ between the sexes. The male reproductive organs found
within the pelvis (Fig. 5.5) are the
prostate, seminal vesicles and ductus deferentes.
Those of the female (Fig. 5.6) are the ovaries, uterine tubes, uterus and upper
part of vagina.
Peritoneum Anatomy
and Physiology
Peritoneum lines the lateral and posterior pelvic walls and covers most
of the pelvic organs (Figs 5.5 & 5.6). In both sexes peritoneum passes from
the anterior abdominal wall onto the upper surface of the bladder. In the male,
it descends on the posterior surface of the bladder and then passes onto the
rectum, forming a recess, the rectovesical pouch (Fig. 5.14). In the female,
peritoneum is reflected from the bladder onto the anterior surface of the body
of the uterus, forming the vesicouterine pouch (Fig. 5.6). It covers the fundus
of the uterus and on each side passes over the uterine tube, forming the broad
ligament. From the posterior surface of the uterus, peritoneum passes over the
vault of the vagina onto the anterior wall of the rectum, forming the
rectouterine pouch (of Douglas). Fluid may collect in the rectovesical pouch
of the male or the rectouterine pouch of the female and, if infected, may form
a pelvic abscess.
Between the peritoneum and the pelvic organs, and intervening between the
organs, lies the extraperitoneal fat or pelvic fascia (Fig. 5.7 and p. 235).
This tissue is important in the
spread of infection.
