Pelvic cavity

Pelvic cavity is the space within the pelvis, bounded by the pelvic bones and containing primarily the reproductive organs, urinary bladder, rectum, and rectal sphincter in humans.

Anatomy

The pelvic cavity is a body cavity that is bounded by the bones of the pelvis and which primarily contains reproductive organs and the rectum. Its oblique roof is the pelvic inlet (the superior opening of the pelvis). Its lower boundary is the pelvic floor.

The pelvic cavity primarily contains reproductive organs, the urinary bladder, the pelvic colon, and the rectum. In the female, the uterus and ovaries are also in the pelvic cavity.

Structure

The pelvic cavity is a funnel-shaped cavity, with the wide end directed upward, and the narrow end downward. The pelvic cavity, like the thoracic cavity, is subdivided into a greater part (greater pelvis) and a lesser part (lesser pelvis).

Greater pelvis

The greater pelvis (or false pelvis) supports the intestines (specifically, the ileum and sigmoid colon), and transmits part of their weight to the anterior wall of the abdomen.

Lesser pelvis

The lesser pelvis (or true pelvis) contains the pelvic colon, rectum, bladder, and some of the reproductive organs. The rectum is at the back, in the curve of the sacrum and coccyx; the bladder is in front, on the pubic symphysis; and the reproductive organs lie between the rectum and the bladder.

Clinical significance

The pelvic cavity houses several structures and organs and thus, its size and shape can affect childbirth. The lesser pelvis is of particular clinical importance because of its role in childbirth.

See also

• Pelvis
• Human anatomy
• Reproductive system
• Urinary system

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