Greater pelvis
Encyclopedia
The greater pelvis is a portion of the cavity surrounded by the skeleton of the pelvis
, situated above and in front of the pelvic brim
. According to some authors the greater pelvis is part of the pelvic cavity
, while according to others it is part of the abdominal cavity
(this is the reason why it is also called false pelvis).
It is bounded on either side by the ilium
; in front it is incomplete, presenting a wide interval between the anterior borders of the ilia
, which is filled up in the fresh state by the parietes of the abdomen
; behind is a deep notch on either side between the ilium and the base of the sacrum
.
It supports the intestines (specifically, the ileum
and sigmoid colon
), and transmits part of their weight to the anterior wall of the abdomen
.
Pelvis
In human anatomy, the pelvis is the lower part of the trunk, between the abdomen and the lower limbs .The pelvis includes several structures:...
, situated above and in front of the pelvic brim
Pelvic brim
The pelvic brim is the edge of the pelvic inlet. It is an approximately apple-shaped line passing through the prominence of the sacrum, the arcuate and pectineal lines, and the upper margin of the pubic symphysis....
. According to some authors the greater pelvis is part of the pelvic cavity
Pelvic cavity
-External links:* * *...
, while according to others it is part of the abdominal cavity
Abdominal cavity
The abdominal cavity is the body cavity of the human body that holds the bulk of the viscera. It is located below the thoracic cavity, and above the pelvic cavity. Its dome-shaped roof is the thoracic diaphragm , and its oblique floor is the pelvic inlet...
(this is the reason why it is also called false pelvis).
It is bounded on either side by the ilium
Ilium (bone)
The ilium is the uppermost and largest bone of the pelvis, and appears in most vertebrates including mammals and birds, but not bony fish. All reptiles have an ilium except snakes, although some snake species have a tiny bone which is considered to be an ilium.The name comes from the Latin ,...
; in front it is incomplete, presenting a wide interval between the anterior borders of the ilia
Ilium (bone)
The ilium is the uppermost and largest bone of the pelvis, and appears in most vertebrates including mammals and birds, but not bony fish. All reptiles have an ilium except snakes, although some snake species have a tiny bone which is considered to be an ilium.The name comes from the Latin ,...
, which is filled up in the fresh state by the parietes of the abdomen
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
; behind is a deep notch on either side between the ilium and the base of the sacrum
Base of the sacrum
The base of the sacrum, which is broad and expanded, is directed upward and forward.In the middle is a large oval articular surface, the upper surface of the body of the first sacral vertebra, which is connected with the under surface of the body of the last lumbar vertebra by an intervertebral...
.
It supports the intestines (specifically, the ileum
Ileum
The ileum is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may be used instead of ileum.The ileum follows the duodenum...
and sigmoid colon
Sigmoid colon
The sigmoid colon is the part of the large intestine that is closest to the rectum and anus. It forms a loop that averages about 40 cm...
), and transmits part of their weight to the anterior wall of the abdomen
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
.