Pelvic Anatomy
Hello there, Bestie. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover today because we’re talking about one of the most foundational parts of pelvic health: pelvic anatomy. Don't worry, I promise it won’t be that bad. One of the best parts of anatomy is that, while we’re all a little bit different, we’re all a little bit the same, too.
First off, what’s the difference between when we say “pelvis” or “pelvic?” When we use the word “pelvis” we’re referring to the bony pelvis. These are the bones that make up your hips and connect your back with your legs. The bony pelvis is made up of two pelvic bones and the sacrum/coccyx. The pelvic bones come together in the front of the body and connect at the point of what you might call your “pubic bone.” When we use the word “pelvic” we are referring to anything relating to this region of the body. It can be in reference to the bones (ie “pelvic bones”), muscles (ie “pelvic floor muscles), organs (ie “pelvic organs”), etc. The sacrum is one of the lower parts of the spine that is made up of 5 vertebrae that are fused together, creating a more solid and less movable structure. The coccyx is connected to the sacrum and is made up of a few fused bones. The main structures of the bony pelvis are the same in people of all genders, with slight differences in exact shape/size depending on sex.
Sacrum and coccyx
Next, let’s talk about the surface structures of the pelvic region in females. Take a look at the image below.
Vulva anatomy
The mons pubis is the fatty area over the pubic bone. This area grows hair after puberty and is squishy to the touch. Below the mons pubis, you’ll see the vulva. The vulva is the region made up of structures that create the female external genitalia. It includes the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. The labia majora is, surprisingly, not a Harry Potter spell, but rather the larger, fleshier folds of tissue that serve to protect the organs of the region. The labia minora are the smaller, inner folds that serve to protect the opening of the urethra and vagina.
Speaking of the vagina, what the bean is it? We’ve all heard the term, but have we all been using it properly? Contrary to popular belief, the vulva and vagina are not the same…at all. The term “vagina” specifically refers to the stretchy and muscular canal that extends from the external part of the genital area to the cervix/uterus, and is an essential part of the reproductive anatomy. The opening of the vagina lies between the labia minora and is called the introitus. The introitus may be partially covered by or surrounded by a hymen, which is a thin membrane that is present at birth but thins and tears over time. Think of the hymen as a scrunchie, rather than a piece of plastic cling wrap.
One of the most important parts of the genital region is the perineal body. This is located between the vulva and the anus and it helps to support the tissues and muscles of the region. You may have heard people refer to this region as the “gooch,” but let’s call it what it is from now on—the perineum.
Finally, onto the real bread and butter of the pelvis (or maybe I’m biased?)—the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). There are both superficial (closer to the outside of the body) pelvic floor muscles, and deep (further inside) pelvic floor muscles. The superficial PFMs are responsible for sexual function and include the bulbocavernosus (in females), ischiocavernosus, and superficial transverse perineal muscles. The deeper PFMs include the levator ani and coccygeus muscles. The levator ani is made up of three muscles called the pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and iliococcygeus muscles. These muscles provide support to the abdominal contents. There is also a “middle layer” of PFMs that function to compress the urethra and help with maintaining urinary continence. These muscles are called the compressure urethrae, the urethrovaginal sphincter, and the striated urogenital sphincter complex.
Pelvic floor anatomy
The pelvic cavity holds the bladder, uterus, and rectum (plus some of the small bowel).
The bladder is connected to the urethra, which allows urine to be expelled from the bladder. The opening of the urethra, called the urethral meatus, lies within the labia minora and in between the mons pubis and the introitus. The bladder itself is made up of a muscle called the detrusor muscle.
As mentioned above, the vagina extends up to the cervix/uterus. The uterus is a muscular structure that functions as part of reproduction and holds the growing fetus during pregnancy. Connected to the uterus are the fallopian tubes (one on each side) and the ovaries (one connected to the opposite end of each fallopian tube). The ovaries produce the egg to be fertilized and the egg will travel down the fallopian tube to be implanted at home in the uterus when pregnancy occurs.
Thanks for sticking around for all that. Next time, we’ll chat male pelvic anatomy to even the scales a bit. While the structures look different in some cases, most of the pelvic structures have an exact counterpart in their opposite sex. So get excited!
Chat soon,
XOXO Your Pelvic Bestie
*The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
