Pelvis Objectives

Objectives to the Study of the Pelvis and Perineum

These objectives are meant to assist you in learning the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum. It is assumed you are familiar with the anatomical components (i.e., bones, muscles, nerves, arteries, veins, etc.).


  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 (e.g., pudendal - S2,3,4).
  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. Know that the perineum is divided into anal and GU triangles (regions).
  12. Learn the relationships of structures in the superficial and deep pouches.
  13. Visualize the parts of the urethra. What are sexual differences.
  14. Understand how different fascial layers (e.g., Colle's fascia) contribute to the compartmentalization of the region.
  15. Understand the importance of the pectinate line with respect to the vasculature and lymphatic drainage of the rectum and anal canal.
  16. Learn the branches of the internal iliac artery.
  17. Know the contents of the superficial and deep perineal pouches. What are the sexual differences.
  18. Learn the nerve supply and vascularization of the perineum.


John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Last Updated: July 11,2005
Created: 1 March 1996