The lower circumference of the lesser pelvis is very irregular; the space enclosed by it is named the inferior aperture or pelvic outlet. It is an important component of pelvimetry.
Boundaries
It has the following boundaries:
- anteriorly: the pubic arch
- laterally: the ischial tuberosities
- posterolaterally: the inferior margin of the sacrotuberous ligament
- posteriorly: the anterior border of the middle of the coccyx.[1]
Notches
These eminences are separated by three notches:
- one in front, the pubic arch, formed by the convergence of the inferior rami of the ischium and pubis on either side.
- The other notches, one on either side, are formed by the sacrum and coccyx behind, the ischium in front, and the ilium above; they are called the sciatic notches; in the natural state they are converted into foramina by the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments.
In situ
When the ligaments are in situ, the inferior aperture of the pelvis is lozenge-shaped, bounded as follows:
- in front, by the pubic arcuate ligament and the inferior rami of the pubes and ischia
- laterally, by the ischial tuberosities
- behind, by the sacrotuberous ligaments and the tip of the coccyx.
See also
Additional images
-
Articulations of pelvis. Anterior view.
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Articulations of pelvis. Posterior view.
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Low-dose CT scan of sagittal pelvic outlet diameter as part of pelvimetry
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Intertuberous diameter, as a measure of the transverse measure of the pelvic outlet
References
External links
- pelvis at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (medialpelvissmall, malepelvissagittalinlet&outletsml)
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