Introduction to the female pelvic cavity

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The female pelvic cavity contains several organs from the digestive, reproductive and urinary systems, some of which pass into the perineum. These include the:

• terminal part of the sigmoid colon, which continues distally as the rectum
• ovaries, uterine tubes and uterus
• pelvic part of the ureters and urinary bladder

The female pelvic organs are surrounded by pelvic visceral fascia. Additionally, the parietal peritoneum of the abdominal cavity reflects onto the superior surfaces of some of these organs, forming pouches/spaces between adjacent organs. The pelvic floor is formed by a musculofascial pelvic diaphragm composed of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, that separates the pelvic cavity above from the perineum below.

The female pelvic cavity is supplied by various branches of the internal iliac artery, the superior [ano]rectal artery and the median sacral artery, with the ovary receiving the ovarian artery from the abdominal aorta. Various visceral plexuses carry both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers that provide innervation to the organs as well as visceral afferent fibers which mostly carry pain sensation to the central nervous system.

The following videos will help you learn about the anatomy and contents of the female pelvic cavity in more detail.

In the first video, you will have the chance to appreciate the anatomy of the female pelvic viscera and perineum from a lateral view.

The second video will discuss the anatomy and contents of the female pelvis as seen from a superior view. 

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Summary