Pelvic anatomy has an important role for the human body as a whole. Therefore, it is important to always maintain the health of the pelvic bones in order to avoid various diseases that can occur in these bones.
The pelvic bone is located at the bottom of the abdomen and between the two hip bones. This bone serves as a support for various organs in the digestive and reproductive systems.
In addition, the pelvis is also a connector between the upper and lower body. Although men and women both have a pelvis, the anatomy of the pelvis is slightly different.
Human Pelvic Anatomy
In general, the human pelvis consists of several parts, namely the hip bone, sacrum, and tailbone. The following is an explanation of these sections:
hip bone
The hipbone is made up of three bones that fuse with age, namely:
- Ilium, the largest part of the broad, fan-like pelvis. You can feel the curvature of this bone when you place your hands on your hips.
- Pubis, located in front of the hip bone close to the genital organs.
- The ischium is also called the sitting bone because most of your body weight is focused on this bone when you sit down.
sacrum
The sacrum is a bone that is shaped like a triangle or curve formed by 5 fused vertebrae. The sacrum is where the spine joins.
Tailbone
Under the sacrum is the coccyx or coccyx which is the base of the spine. This bone is in charge of maintaining balance when a person is in a sitting position. The tailbone is also the shelter for ligaments, tendons, and some pelvic muscles.
Difference Between Female and Male Pelvic Anatomy
As previously mentioned, the anatomy of the male and female pelvis has differences. The anatomical form of the normal pelvic bone in men is called the android type with the following characteristics:
- It is smaller, narrower, and higher than a woman's pelvis
- The curve of the sacrum bone in men is slimmer
- Covers the colon, bladder, testes, penis, and prostate
Meanwhile, female pelvic anatomy is called the gynecoid type and has the following characteristics:
- The pelvic cavity is oval, shallower, and wider than the male pelvis
- Its function is as a place of movement and provides sufficient space for fetal development. This cavity also functions as the baby's birth canal when it is born
- The curve of the female sacrum is wider
- Covers the vagina, cervix or cervix, uterus, ovaries or ovaries, fallopian tubes or fallopian tubes, large intestine, bladder, and urinary tract
Various Disorders Related to Pelvic Anatomy
There are several disorders or diseases that can affect the pelvis, including:
1. Hip fracture (hip fracture)
Most hip fractures are caused by a hard impact on the femur. This condition can occur due to accidents, especially bicycles and motorcycles. Hip fractures can also occur when you fall from a height.
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammation is caused by infection in the organs of the female reproductive system. One of the symptoms is pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. Pelvic inflammation can cause infertility problems or difficulty conceiving.
3. Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when a woman's pelvic muscles cannot support internal organs, such as her bladder, uterus, or rectum.
As a result, one or more of these organs press against the vagina, causing a bulge. In more severe cases, the organ can even descend until it comes out of the vagina
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the inside wall of the uterus or the endometrium begins to grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis can lead to complications, such as infertility or ovarian cancer.
5. Pelvic floor muscle disorders
The pelvic floor muscles are located between the coccyx and the pubic bone. This muscle is responsible for supporting the intestines, bladder, uterus, and vagina.
When the pelvic floor muscles weaken, these internal organs do not work fully and make the body unable to control the passage of urine, feces, or gas (farts) properly.
This condition often causes several symptoms, such as constipation, incomplete urination or bowel movements, pain when urinating, and urinary or stool incontinence.
6. Pelvic tumor
Pelvic tumors can occur in the cervix, uterus, tissue around the uterus, intestines, bladder, urinary tract, muscles, or bones. Usually, a pelvic tumor can be detected as an abnormal mass or tissue in the pelvic area. This condition can be detected by pelvic physical examination and supporting, such as ultrasound.
Understanding the anatomy of the pelvis and its functions can be the first step for you to maintain pelvic health. Do a pelvic exam and consultation with your doctor if you have symptoms or complaints related to your pelvic area, such as pelvic pain or bleeding outside of your menstrual period.