Learning Objectives for
Dissection of the Pelvis

The dissection of the pelvis requires that you understand the relationships of visceral structures and peritoneal reflections before bisecting the pelvis to facilitate further dissection of the internal iliac vessels and the sacral plexus.


Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the upper limb at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.


Specific Learning Objectives:

  1. Know the bony/ligament components and understand sexual differences in these components.
  2. Understand how the greater and lesser ischiadic foramina are formed.
  3. Visualize and know the venous drainage (both superficial and deep).
  4. Know the ligaments supporting the uterus and its parts.
  5. Understand what the terms anteversion and anteflexion mean.
  6. Visualize how an egg reaches the uterus from the ovary.
  7. Know the branches of the lumbar-sacral plexus and the segmental contributions to each.
  8. Understand the relationships of viscera. Know the sexual differences.
  9. Understand peritoneal reflections and spaces. Know the importance of the rectouterine pouch (of Douglas).
  10. Know what structures are related to the prostate.
  11. Learn the branches of the internal iliac artery.
  12. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.


Difficult parts of the dissection:

  1. The most difficult part of this dissection is bisection of the pelvis. See Step 2 for details on this procedure.

John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2000
Created: Mar 9, 2000