X CLOSE

Dissection of female pelvis froma lateral approach

Pudendal canal; obturator fascia; pelvic diaphragm

For permissions information regarding the use of these images, please contact Drew Bourn at dbourn@stanford.edu

Image #158-7
Bassett ImageDiagram Image
Legend Image
Dissection of female pelvis froma lateral approach
Pudendal canal; obturator fascia; pelvic diaphragm
The obturator internus muscle, shown in view 158-4, has been completely removed from the field of dissection. The obturator fascia (9) which covered the medial surface of the muscle has been excised to open the pudendal canal (Alcock's canal). The pudendal nerve (6) and the internal pudendal artery and vein (8) lie within the canal. Part of the obturator fascia above and anterior to the pudendal canal has been cut away to expose the levator ani muscle. The origin of the levator ani in this case is closer to the terminal line of the pelvis than usual and the tendinous arch usually associated with this origin is indistinct. View 163-5 demonstrates a similar arrangement on the opposite side of the pelvis.
1 . Superior gluteal artery
2 . Piriform muscle (cut off)
3 . Sciatic nerve (upper pointer, tibial nerve; lower pointer, common peroneal nerve)
4 . Inferior gluteal artery
5 . Sacrotuberous ligament
6 . Pudendal nerve (passing anteriorly through lesser sciatic foramen to enter pudendal canal)
7 . Ischial tuberosity
8 . Internal pudendal artery and vein (within pudendal canal)
9 . Upper pointer: Obturator fascia Lower pointer: Periosteum
10 . External anal sphincter muscle
11 . Ala of ilium
12 . Anterior superior iliac spine
13 . Margin of acetabulum (pointer on acetabular labrum)
14 . Iliopsoas muscle (cut off)
15 . Inguinal ligament
16 . Obturator nerve
17 . Femoral vein
18 . Levator ani muscle
19 . Body of pubic bone
20 . Dorsal nerve of clitoris
21 . Body of clitoris
22 . Labium minus
23 . Labium majus