Pelvic Anatomy

What is the perineal fascia?

A continuity of the abdominal fascia that has two components: Deep fascia: covers the superficial perineal muscles and protruding structures (e.g. penis & clitoris). Superficial fascia is composed of a further two layers of fascia: -Superficial layer - continuous with Camper's fascia of the anterior abdominal wall -Deep layer (Colles' fascia) - continuous with Scarpa's fascia of the anterior abdominal wall

What is the perineal membrane?

A layer of tough fascia, which is perforated by the urethra (and the vagina in the female). The role of the membrane is to provide attachment for the muscles of the external genitalia.

What is the deep perineal pouch?

A potential space between the deep fascia of the pelvic floor (superiorly) and the perineal membrane (inferiorly). It contains part of the urethra, external urethral sphincter, and the vagina in the female. In males, it also contains the bulbourethral glands and the deep transverse perineal muscles.

What is the superficial perineal pouch?

A potential space between the perineal membrane (superiorly) and the superficial perineal fascia (inferiorly). It contains the erectile tissues that form the penis and clitoris, and three muscles - the ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus and superficial transverse perineal muscles. The greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) are also located in the superficial perineal pouch. The pouch is bounded posteriorly to the perineal body.

What is the round ligament?

A remnant of the gubernaculum extending from the uterine horns to the labia majora via the inguinal canal. It functions to maintain the anteverted position of the uterus.

What is the mons pubis?

A subcutaneous fat pad located anterior to the pubic symphysis. It formed by the fusion of the labia majora.

What is the function of the perineal body?

Anatomically, the perineal body lies just deep to the skin. It acts as a point of attachment for muscle fibres from the pelvic floor and the perineum itself: -Levator ani (part of the pelvic floor). -Bulbospongiosus muscle. -Superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles. -External anal sphincter muscle. -External urethral sphincter muscle fibres. In women, it acts as a tear resistant body between the vagina and the external anal sphincter, supporting the posterior part of the vaginal wall against prolapse. In the male, it lies between the bulb of penis and the anus.

What important nerve runs in the anal triangle?

Another important anatomical structure within the anal triangle is the pudendal nerve, which supplies the whole perineum with somatic fibers.

What is the function of the pelvic floor?

As the floor of the pelvic cavity, these muscles have important roles to play in the correct functioning of the pelvic and abdominal viscera. The roles of the pelvic floor muscles are: Support of abdominopelvic viscera (bladder, intestines, uterus etc.) through their tonic contraction. Resistance to increases in intra-pelvic/abdominal pressure during activities such as coughing or lifting heavy objects. Urinary and faecal continence.The muscle fibres have a sphincter action on the rectum and urethra. They relax to allow urination and defecation.

What are the superficial muscles of the perineum?

Bulbocavernosus Ischiocavernosus Transverse perineal

What are the layers of the urogenital triangle?

Deep to superficial: 1) Deep perineal pouch 2) Perineal membrane 3) Superficial perineal pouch 4) Perineal fascia 5) Skin

What is the ovarian ligament?

Extends from the ovary to the fundus of the uterus. It then continues from the uterus to the connective tissue of the labium majus, as the round ligament of uterus.

What is the bulbocavernosus muscle?

In both sexes, it is innervated by the deep/muscular branch of the perineal nerve, which is a branch of the pudendal nerve. In males, the bulbospongiosus is located in the middle line of the perineum, in front of the anus. It consists of two symmetrical parts, united along the median line by a tendinous perineal raphe. It arises from the central tendinous point of the perineum and from the median perineal raphe in front. In females, there is no union, nor a tendinous perineal raphe; the parts are disjoint primarily and arise from the same central tendinous point of the perinium, which is the tendon that is formed at the point where the bulbospongiosus muscle, superficial transverse perineal muscle, and external anal sphincter muscle converge to form this major supportive structure of vagina and other organs, and from the clitoris in front.

What is the perineum?

In clinical practice, the term "perineum" is frequently used to describe the area between the external genitalia and the anus. However, in anatomical terms, the perineum is a diamond-shaped structure. There are two main ways in which the boundaries of the perineum can be described. The anatomical borders refer to its exact bony margins, whilst the surface borders describe the surface anatomy of the perineum.

What are the gaps in the pelvic floor?

In order to allow for urination and defecation, there are a few gaps in the pelvic floor. There are two 'holes' that have significance: Urogenital hiatus - an anteriorly situated gap, which allows passage of the urethra (and the vagina in females). Rectal hiatus - a centrally positioned gap, which allows passage of the anal canal. Between the urogenital hiatus and the anal canal lies a fibrous node known as the perineal body, which joins the pelvic floor to the perineum

What is the coccygeus?

Innervated by the anterior rami of S4 and S5. The coccygeus (or ischiococcygeus) is the smaller, and most posterior pelvic floor component - as the levator ani muscles are situated anteriorly. It originates from the ischial spines and travels to the lateral aspect of the sacrum and coccyx, along the sacrospinous ligament.

What are the levator ani muscles?

Innervated by the anterior ramus of S4 and branches of the pudendal nerve (roots S2, S3 and S4). The levator ani is a broad sheet of muscle. It is composed of three separate paired muscles; pubococcygeus, puborectalis and iliococcygeus. These muscles have attachments to the pelvis as follows: -Anterior - pubic bodies of the pelvic bones. -Laterally - thickened fascia of the obturator internus muscle, known as the tendinous arch. -Posteriorly - ischial spines of the pelvic bones.

What is the innervation of the vagina?

Innervation is predominantly from the autonomic nervous system. Parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves arise from the uterovaginal nerve plexus (in turn a subsidiary of the inferior hypogastric plexus). Only the inferior 1/5 of the vagina receives somatic innervation. This is via a branch of the pudendal nerve, the deep perineal nerve.

What is the function of the vagina?

It has several roles within the female reproductive system: Sexual intercourse - receives the penis and ejaculate, assisting in its transport to the uterus. Childbirth - expands to provide a channel for delivery of a newborn from the uterus. Menstruation - serves as a canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body.

What is the clitoris?

Located under the clitoral hood. It is formed of erectile corpora cavernosa tissue, which becomes engorged with blood during sexual stimulation. Embryologically derived from the genital tubercle.

What is the lymphatic drainage of the vulva?

Lymph drains to the nearby superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

What is the lymphatic drainage of the ovaries?

Lymph from the ovaries drains into the para-aortic nodes.

What is the lymphatic drainage of the vagina?

Lymphatic drainage is divided into three sections: Superior - drains to external iliac nodes Middle - drains to internal iliac nodes Inferior - drains to superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

What is the lymphatic drainage of the fallopian tubes?

Lymphatic drainage is via the iliac, sacral and aortic lymph nodes.

What is the lymphatic drainage of the cervix?

Lymphatic drainage of the uterus is via the iliac, sacral, aortic and inguinal lymph nodes.

What is the lymphatic drainage of the uterus?

Lymphatic drainage of the uterus is via the iliac, sacral, aortic and inguinal lymph nodes.

What are the structures of the vulva?

Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Vestibule Bartholin's glands Clitoris

What are Bartholin's glands?

Pair of glands (each the size of pea) whose secretions maintain the moisture of the vestibular surface of the vagina, especially during sexual excitation. Situated at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position of the vestibule, under the labia minora. Normally cannot be palpated.

What is pelvic floor relaxation?

Pathology: large or multiple births leads to stretching of ligaments Patient may complain of: -Vaginal fullness -Chronic back pain -Incontinence (cystocele) -Constipation; may be relieved by inserting fingers into the vagina (rectocele) Diagnosis: entirely clinical, via speculum exam Treatment: -Pelvic floor strenghtening -Hysterectomy for uterine inversion -Colporophy for rectocele and cystocele

What is the innervation of the uterus?

Sympathetic nerve fibres of the uterus arise from the uterovaginal plexus. This largely comprises the anterior and intermediate parts of the inferior hypogastric plexus. Parasympathetic fibres of the uterus are derived from the pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-S4). The cervix is largely innervated by the inferior nerve fibres of the uterovaginal plexus. The afferent fibres mostly ascend through the inferior hypogastric plexus to enter the spinal cord via T10-T12 and L1 nerve fibres.

What are the anal aperture and ischioanal fossae?

The anal aperture is located centrally in the triangle with the ischioanal fossae either side. These fossae contain fat and connective tissue, which allow for expansion of the anal canal during defecation. They extend from the skin of the anal region (inferiorly) to the pelvic diaphragm (superiorly).

What is the anal triangle?

The anal triangle is the posterior half of the perineum. It is bounded by the coccyx, sacrotuberous ligaments, and a theoretical line between the ischial tuberosities. The main contents of the anal triangle are: Anal aperture - the opening of the anus. External anal sphincter muscle - voluntary muscle responsible for opening and closing the anus. Ischioanal fossae (x2) - spaces located laterally to the anus.

What are the anatomical borders of the perineum?

The anatomical borders of the perineum are: Anterior - pubic symphysis. Posterior - tip of the coccyx. Laterally - inferior pubic rami and inferior ischial rami, and the sacrotuberous ligament. Roof - pelvic floor. Base - skin and fascia. The perineum can be subdivided by a theoretical line drawn transversely between the ischial tuberosities. This split forms the anterior urogenital triangle and the posterior anal triangle. These triangles are associated with different components of the perineum.

What is the vestibule?

The area enclosed by the labia minora. It contains the openings of the vagina (external vaginal orifice, vaginal introitus) and urethra.

What is the vascular supply of the fallopian tubes?

The arterial supply to the uterine tubes is via the uterine and ovarian arteries. Venous drainage is via the uterine and ovarian veins.

What is the vascular supply of the vagina?

The arterial supply to the vagina is via the uterine and vaginal arteries - both branches of the internal iliac artery. Venous return is by the vaginal venous plexus, which drains into the internal iliac veins via the uterine vein.

What is the vascular supply of the vulva?

The arterial supply to the vulva is from the paired internal and external pudendal arteries (branches of the internal iliac). Venous drainage is achieved via the pudendal veins, with smaller labial veins contributing as tributaries.

What is the vascular supply of the cervix?

The blood supply to the uterus is via the uterine artery. Venous drainage is via a plexus in the broad ligament that drains into the uterine veins.

What is the cardinal ligament?

The cardinal ligament (or Mackenrodt's ligament, lateral cervical ligament, or transverse cervical ligament) is a major ligament of the uterus. It is located at the base of the broad ligament of the uterus. There are a pair of cardinal ligaments in the female human body. It attaches the cervix to the lateral pelvic wall by its attachment to the Obturator fascia of the Obturator internus muscle, and is continuous externally with the fibrous tissue that surrounds the pelvic blood vessels. It thus provides support to the uterus. Additionally, it carries the uterine arteries to provide the primary blood supply to the uterus. Holds things together anteriorly-posteriorly as well. Weakening of the cardinal ligament = pelvic floor relaxation. -Cystocele of bladder -Rectocele of rectum -Uterine inversion

What is the anatomical structure of the cervix?

The cervix is composed of two regions; the ectocervix and the endocervical canal. The ectocervix is the portion of the cervix that projects into the vagina. It is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. The opening in the ectocervix, the external os, marks the transition from the ectocervix to the endocervical canal. The endocervical canal (or endocervix) is the more proximal, and 'inner' part of the cervix. It is lined by a mucus-secreting simple columnar epithelium. The endocervical canal ends, and the uterine cavity begins, at a narrowing called the internal os.

What is the cervix?

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus, an organ of the female reproductive tract. It connects the vagina with the main body of the uterus, acting as a gateway between them. Anatomically and histologically, the cervix is distinct from the uterus, and hence we consider it as a separate anatomical structure.

What is the function of the cervix?

The cervix performs two main functions: It facilitates the passage of sperm into the uterine cavity. This is achieved via dilation of the external and internal os. Maintains sterility of the upper female reproductive tract. The cervix, and all structures superior to it, are sterile. This ultimately protects the uterine cavity and the upper genital tract by preventing bacterial invasion. This environment is maintained by the frequent shedding of the endometrium, thick cervical mucus and a narrow external os.

What is the anatomical position of the uterus?

The exact anatomical location of the uterus varies with the degree of distension of the bladder. In the normal adult uterus, it can be described as anteverted with respect to the vagina, and anteflexed with respect to the cervix: Anteverted: Rotated forward, towards the anterior surface of the body. Anteflexed: Flexed, towards the anterior surface of the body. Thus, the uterus normally lies immediately posterosuperior to the bladder, and anterior to the rectum.

What is the anatomical structure of the fallopian tubes?

The fallopian tube is described as having four parts (lateral to medial); Fimbriae - finger-like, ciliated projections which capture the ovum from the surface of the ovary. Infundibulum - funnel-shaped opening near the ovary to which fimbriae are attached. Ampulla - widest section of the uterine tubes. Fertilization usually occurs here. Isthmus - narrow section of the uterine tubes connecting the ampulla to the uterine cavity.

What is the histological structure of the uterus?

The fundus and body of the uterus are composed of three tissue layers; Peritoneum - a double layered membrane, continuous with the abdominal peritoneum. Also known as the perimetrium. Myometrium - thick smooth muscle layer. Cells of this layer undergo hypertrophy and hyperplasia during pregnancy in preparation to expel the fetus at birth. Endometrium - inner mucous membrane lining the uterus. It can be further subdivided into 2 parts: -Deep stratum basalis: Changes little throughout the menstrual cycle and is not shed at menstruation. -Superficial stratum functionalis: Proliferates in response to oestrogens, and becomes secretory in response to progesterone. It is shed during menstruation and regenerates from cells in the stratum basalis layer.

What is the iliococcygeus?

The iliococcygeus has thin muscle fibres, which start anteriorly at the ischial spines and posterior aspect of the tendinous arch. They attach posteriorly to the coccyx and the anococcygeal ligament. This part of the levator ani is the actual "levator" of the three: its action elevates the pelvic floor and the anorectal canal.

What is the ischiocavernosus muscle?

The ischiocavernosus muscle or erectores penis by old Anatomists, is a muscle just below the surface of the perineum, present in both men and women It arises by tendinous and fleshy fibers from the inner surface of the tuberosity of the ischium, behind the crus penis; and from the inferior pubic rami and ischium on either side of the crus. From these points fleshy fibers succeed, and end in an aponeurosis which is inserted into the sides and under surface of the crus penis. It helps (in males) stabilize the erect penis and (in females) tense the vagina during orgasm. Ischiocavernosus compresses the crus penis, and retards the return of the blood through the veins, and thus serves to maintain the organ erect.

What is the neurovascular supply to the perineum?

The major neurovascular supply to the perineum is from the pudendal nerve (S2 to S4) and the internal pudendal artery. The pudendal nerve (along with the internal pudendal artery and vein) travel along the inner surface of the ischial tuberosities, through a "canal" formed by a thickening of the obturator fascia (Alcock's canal). The pudendal neurovascular bundle courses downwards through each ischioanal fossa and gives branches to both the anal and genital triangle.

What is the pubococcygeus?

The muscle fibres of the pubococcygeus are the main constituent of the levator ani. They arise from the body of the pubic bone and the anterior aspect of the tendinous arch. The fibres travel around the margin of the urogenital hiatus and run posteromedially, attaching at the coccyx and anococcygeal ligament.

What is the venous drainage of the ovaries?

The ovarian venous drainage mirrors the adrenal glands. On the right side, the right ovary drains directly into the inferior vena cava via the ovarian vein. On the left side, the adrenal vein, renal vein and ovarian vein converge into one vein, which then drains into the inferior vena cava.

What is the blood supply of the ovaries?

The ovaries are supplied directly by the aorta via the ovarian artery.

What is the innervation of the ovaries?

The ovaries receive sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation from the ovarian and uterine (pelvic) plexuses, respectively. The nerves reach the ovaries via the suspensory ligament of the ovary, to enter the ovary at the hilum.

What is the anatomy of the ovary?

The ovary has three main histological features: Surface - formed by simple cuboidal epithelium (known as germinal epithelium). Underlying this layer is a dense connective tissue capsule. Cortex - comprised of a connective tissue stroma and numerous ovarian follicles. Each follicle contains an oocyte, surrounded by a single layer of follicular cells. Medulla - formed by loose connective tissue and a rich neurovascular network, which enters via the hilum of the ovary.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a funnel-shaped structure. It attaches to the walls of the lesser pelvis, separating the pelvic cavity from the perineum inferiorly (region which includes the genitalia and anus).

What is the pelvic cavity?

The pelvic viscera (bladder, rectum, pelvic genital organs and terminal part of the urethra) reside within the pelvic cavity (or the true pelvis). This cavity is located within the lesser part of the pelvis, beneath the pelvic brim. A number of muscles help make up the walls of the cavity - the lateral walls include the obturator internus and the pirformis muscle, with the latter also forming the posterior wall.

What is the perineal body?

The perineal body is an irregular fibromuscular mass. It is located at the junction of the urogenital and anal triangles - the central point of the perineum. This structure contains skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and collagenous and elastic fibres.

How is the perineum divided?

The perineum can be subdivided by a theoretical line drawn transversely between the ischial tuberosities. This split forms the anterior urogenital and posterior anal triangles.

What is the puborectalis?

The puborectalis muscle is a U-shaped sling, extending from the bodies of the pubic bones, past the urogenital hiatus, around the anal canal. Its tonic contraction bends the canal anteriorly, creating the anorectal angle (90 degrees) at the anorectal junction (where the rectum meets the anus). The main function of this thick muscle is to maintain faecal continence - during defecation this muscle relaxes. Some fibers of the puborectalis muscle (pre-rectal fibers) form another U-shaped sling that flank the urethra in the male and the urethra and vagina in the female (in some textbooks they appear as pubovaginalis or sphincter urethrae / vaginae). These fibers are very important in preserving urinary continence, especially during abrupt increase of the intra-abdominal pressure i.e. during sneezing.

What is the uterosacral ligament?

The rectouterine folds contain a considerable amount of fibrous tissue and non-striped muscular fibers which are attached to the front of the sacrum and constitute the uterosacral ligaments. These ligaments travel from the uterus to the anterior aspect of the sacrum. The pelvic splanchnic nerves run on top of the ligament. Must be removed in hysterectomy! Often mistaken for ureters

What is the transverse perineal muscle?

The superficial transverse perineal muscle (transversus superficialis perinei) is a narrow muscular slip, which passes more or less transversely across the perineal space in front of the anus.[1] It arises by tendinous fibers from the inner and forepart of the ischial tuberosity and, running medially, is inserted into the central tendinous point of the perineum (perineal body), joining in this situation with the muscle of the opposite side, with the external anal sphincter muscle behind, and with the bulbospongiosus muscle in front. The deep transverse perineal muscle (transversus perinei profundus) lies in the perineum, a part of the pelvic floor. It arises from the inferior rami of the ischium and runs to the median plane, where it interlaces in a tendinous raphe with the other deep transverse perineal muscle of the opposite side. The deep transverse perineal muscle is innervated by the pudendal nerve. The function of the muscle is fixation of the perineal body (central tendon of perineum), support of the pelvic floor, expulsion of semen in males and last drops of urine in both sexes.

What are the surface borders of the perineum?

The surface boundaries are best shown when the lower limbs are abducted, and a diamond shape is depicted: Anterior - mons pubis in females, base of the penis in males. Laterally - medial surfaces of the thighs. Posterior - superior end of the intergluteal cleft.

What is the suspensory ligament?

The suspensory ligament contains the blood supply to the ovary. The suspensory ligament of the ovary, also infundibulopelvic ligament (commonly abbreviated IP ligament or simply IP), is a fold of peritoneum that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis. Ovarian torsion; twisting of ovary leads to twisting of suspensory ligament, which cuts off vascular supply to the ovary.

What is the ultra-structure of the fallopian tubes?

The ultra-structure of the uterine tubes facilitates the movement of the female gamete: The inner mucosa is lined with ciliated columnar epithelial cells and peg cells (non-ciliated secretory cells). They waft the ovum towards the uterus and supply it with nutrients. Smooth muscle layer contracts to assist with transportation of the ova and sperm. Muscle is sensitive to sex steroids, and thus peristalsis is greatest when estrogen levels are high.

What is the urogenital triangle?

The urogenital triangle is the anterior half of the perineum. It is bounded by the pubic symphysis, ischiopubic rami, and a theorectical line between the two ischial tuberosities. The triangle is associated with the structures of the urogenital system - the external genitalia and urethra. Structurally, the urogenital triangle is complex, with a number of fascial layers and pouches. Unlike the anal triangle, the urogenital triangle has an additional layer of strong deep fascia; the perineal membrane. This membrane has pouches on its superior and inferior surfaces.

What are the fallopian tubes?

The uterine tubes (or fallopian tubes, oviducts, salpinx) are muscular 'J-shaped' tubes, found in the female reproductive tract. The main function of the uterine tubes is to assist in the transfer and transport of the ovum from the ovary, to the uterus.

What is the innervation of the fallopian tubes?

The uterine tubes receive both sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation via nerve fibres from the ovarian and uterine (pelvic) plexuses. Sensory afferent fibres run from T11- L1.

What is the anatomy of the uterus?

The uterus is a thick-walled muscular organ capable of expansion to accommodate a growing fetus. It is connected distally to the vagina, and laterally to the uterine tubes. The uterus has three parts: Fundus - top of the uterus, above the entry point of the uterine tubes. Body - usual site for implantation of the blastocyst. Cervix - lower part of uterus linking it with the vagina. This part is structurally and functionally different to the rest of the uterus.

What is the blood supply of the uterus?

The uterus is supplied by the uterine arteries, which branch off of the internal iliac arteries. Venous drainage is via a plexus in the broad ligament that drains into the uterine veins. Post-partum hemorrhage -500 mL if vaginal delivery, 1000 mL if C-section -Uterine massage -Oxytocin -Balloon tamponade -Uterine artery ligation -Internal iliac artery ligation -Hysterectomy

What is the anatomical structure of the vagina?

The vagina is a fibromuscular tube with anterior and posterior walls - these are normally collapsed and thus in contact with one another. The shape of the vagina is not a round tunnel. In the transverse plane it is more like an "H" lying on the side. At the upper ending, the vagina surrounds the cervix, creating two domes (fornices or vaults): an anterior and a (deeper) posterior one. The posterior fornix is important as it acts like a natural reservoir for semen after intravaginal ejaculation. The semen retained in the fornix liquefies in the next 20-30 mins, allowing for easier permeation through the cervical canal.

What is the vagina?

The vagina is an organ of the female reproductive tract. It is a distensible muscular tube which extends posterosuperiorly from the external vaginal orifice to the cervix.

What is the anatomical position of the vagina?

The vagina is closely related to many of the organs in the pelvic region: Anterior - bladder and urethra. Posterior - rectouterine pouch, rectum and anal canal. Lateral - ureters and levator ani muscle.

What is the histologic structure of the vagina?

The vagina is composed of four histological layers (internal to external): Stratified squamous epithelium - this layer provides protection and is lubricated by cervical mucus (the vagina itself does not contain any glands). Elastic lamina propria - a dense connective tissue layer which projects papillae into the overlying epithelium. The larger veins are located here. Fibromuscular layer - comprising two layers of smooth muscle; an inner circular and an outer longitudinal layer. Adventitia - a fibrous layer, which provides additional strength to the vagina whilst also binding it to surrounding structures.

What is the vulva?

The vulva (pudendum) refers to the external female genitalia. Its functions are threefold: -Acts as sensory tissue during sexual intercourse -Assists in micturition by directing the flow of urine -Protects the internal female reproductive tract from infection.

What is the innervation of the vulva?

The vulva receives sensory and parasympathetic nervous supply. To describe the sensory distribution, the vulva can be divided into anterior and posterior sections: Anterior - ilioinguinal nerve, genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve Posterior - pudendal nerve, posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh. The clitoris and the vestibule also receive parasympathetic innervation from the cavernous nerves - derived from the uterovaginal plexus.

What is the broad ligament?

This is a double layer of peritoneum attaching the sides of the uterus to the pelvis. It acts as a mesentery for the uterus and contributes to maintaining it in position.

What are the labia majora?

Two hair-bearing external skin folds. They extend from the mons pubis posteriorly to the posterior commissure (a depression overlying the perineal body). Embryologically derived from labioscrotal swellings.

What are the labia minora?

Two hairless folds of skin, which lie within the labia majora. They fuse anteriorly to form the hood of the clitoris and extend posteriorly either side of the vaginal opening. They merge posteriorly, creating a fold of skin known as the fourchette. Embryologically derived from urethral folds.

What are the ligaments of the uterus?

Uterosacral ligament Cardinal ligament Broad ligament Round ligament

What are the components of the pelvic floor?

When learning about the muscles of the pelvic floor, it is important to keep in mind its funnel-shaped structure. There are three main components of the pelvic floor: Levator ani muscles (largest component). Coccygeus muscle. Fascia coverings of the muscles.