Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Interior of pelvic cavity with uterus and bladder in situ, right anterolateral view

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Image #160-6

Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Interior of pelvic cavity with uterus and bladder in situ, right anterolateral view

The right ovary, uterine tube and round ligament have been detached and removed. The uterine artery (10) has been elevated slightly to demonstrate its passage across the ureter as it approaches the lateral border of the uterus. The uterosacral and lateral cervical (cardinal) ligaments have been dissected to reveal the pelvic plexus and ganglia (11).

1. External iliac artery
2. Psoas major muscle
3. Articular surface of sacrum
4. Superior gluteal artery
5. Piriform muscle
6. Lateral umbilical ligament
7. Upper pointer: Uterine tube (cut across) Lower pointer: Ligamentum teres (of uterus) (cut across)
8. Rectum (covered by peritoneum)
9. Ureter
10. Uterine artery
11. Pelvic plexus (pointer on pelvic ganglion)
12. Urinary bladder (reflected downward)
13. Sigmoid colon
14. Upper pointer: Suspensory ligament of ovary Lower pointer: Infundibulum of uterine tube
15. Pelvic cavity (pointer on rectouterine fold)
16. Ovary
17. Ligamentum teres (of uterus)
18. Uterovesical pouch
19. Broad ligament of uterus (dissected)