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The pelvic cavity is a body cavity that is bounded by the bones of the pelvis. 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 the reproductive organs, urinary bladder, distal , proximal urethra, terminal sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus canal. In females, the uterus, , ovary and upper vagina occupy the area between the other viscera.
The rectum is located at the back of the pelvis, in the curve of the sacrum and coccyx; the bladder is in front, behind the pubic symphysis. The pelvic cavity also contains major arteries, veins, muscles, and nerves. These structures coexist in a crowded space, and disorders of one pelvic component may impact upon another; for example, constipation may overload the rectum and compress the urinary bladder, or childbirth might damage the and later lead to anal weakness.
The lesser pelvis is bounded in front and below by the pubic symphysis; above and behind, by the sacrum and coccyx; and laterally, by a broad, smooth, quadrangular area of bone, corresponding to the inner surfaces of the body and superior ramus of the ischium, and the part of the ilium below the arcuate line.
| anterior: pubic symphysis | ||
| floor: pelvic floor | ||
The lesser pelvis contains the pelvic colon, rectum, Urinary bladder, and some of the . The rectum is at the back, in the curve of the sacrum and coccyx; the bladder is in front, behind the pubic symphysis. In females, the uterus and vagina occupy the interval between these viscera.
The pelvic splanchnic nerves arising at S2–S4 are in the lesser pelvis.
It is generally considered part of the abdominal cavity (which is why it is sometimes called the false pelvis).Drake et al. (2009) Grays Anatomy for Students, 2nd Edition, ch. 5 Pelvis and perineum – general description, p. 406 Some sources consider this region part of the pelvic cavity, while others reframe the classification by calling the combination the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater pelvis supports the intestines (specifically, the ileum and sigmoid colon), and transmits part of their weight to the anterior wall of the abdomen.
The femoral nerve from L2–L4 is in the greater pelvis, but not in the lesser pelvis.
| side of pelvis | |
| broad ligament of the uterus | |
| pelvic wall | |
| uterus | |
| travels through inguinal canal, ends at mons pubis | |
| pelvic wall |
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