The pelvic area, a central region of the body, forms a basin-like structure at the base of the spine. This complex arrangement of bones, muscles, and tissues provides a foundation for the upper body. It contributes to balance and movement, and in women, provides structural support while housing many internal organs.
Locating the Pelvic Area
The pelvic area in a woman is situated in the lower part of the torso, positioned between the abdomen and the thighs. This region encompasses the hips, buttocks, and pubic area. The foundation of this area is the bony pelvis, a ring-shaped structure composed of four main bones: the two hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx.
Each hip bone, also known as a coxal bone, is formed from three separate bones that fuse together: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. The ilium is the broad, fan-shaped part that forms the upper, wide portion of the hip. The ischium, often called the “sit bones,” forms the lower, U-shaped part that supports the body when seated. The pubis connects at the front of the pelvis to the opposite pubic bone at the pubic symphysis.
The sacrum is a spade-shaped bone at the base of the spine, formed by five fused vertebrae. Below the sacrum lies the coccyx, or tailbone, which is a small, triangular bone formed from four fused vertebrae. These bony structures connect to form the pelvic girdle, creating a sturdy yet adaptable ring that links the spine to the lower limbs.
What the Pelvic Area Contains
Within the bony pelvis lies the pelvic cavity, housing vital internal structures. This space holds components of the urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. The female reproductive organs are centrally located here.
These include the uterus (womb), a hollow, pear-shaped organ situated between the bladder and the rectum, where an embryo typically implants and develops. On either side of the uterus are the ovaries, two small organs responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. Extending from the ovaries to the uterus are the fallopian tubes, which transport eggs. The vagina connects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, to the external genitalia, also serving as the birth canal.
The pelvic area also contains parts of the urinary system, specifically the bladder and urethra. The bladder stores urine, which is then expelled through the urethra. Additionally, the rectum and anus, the final sections of the digestive system, are located within the pelvic cavity.
Supporting these organs are the pelvic floor muscles, a group of muscles forming a sling-like structure at the base of the pelvis. These muscles aid in maintaining continence for both urine and feces by controlling the openings of the urethra and rectum.
Why the Pelvic Area is Important
The female pelvic area serves multiple functions crucial for overall body mechanics and biological processes. It supports the weight of the upper body, distributing it effectively to the lower limbs during activities such as standing and walking. This structural support provides stability and allows for a wide range of movements.
The bony pelvis acts as a shield, protecting the delicate internal organs housed within the pelvic cavity. This protective function extends to organs involved in waste elimination, reproduction, and digestion. The integrity of this structure is thus directly linked to the proper functioning of these essential bodily systems.
A significant function of the female pelvis is its role in childbirth. The female pelvis is typically broader and wider than the male pelvis, featuring a larger opening or inlet. This unique shape is optimized to accommodate a developing fetus and facilitate its passage through the birth canal.
During pregnancy, hormones like relaxin cause the ligaments in the pelvis to soften and become more flexible, allowing the pelvic joints to expand and create more room for delivery.