The pelvis has an anteroinferior, a posterior, and two lateral pelvic walls; and an inferior pelvic wall, also called the
pelvic floor. The
parietal peritoneum is attached here and to the
abdominal wall.
Lesser pelvis The lesser pelvis (or "true pelvis") is the space enclosed by the
pelvic girdle and below the
pelvic brim: between the
pelvic inlet and the pelvic floor. This cavity is a short, curved canal, deeper on its posterior than on its anterior wall. Some sources consider this region to be the entirety of the pelvic cavity. Other sources define the pelvic cavity as the larger space including the
greater pelvis, just above the pelvic inlet. The lesser pelvis is bounded in front and below by the
superior rami of the symphysis pubis; above and behind, by the sacrum and coccyx; and laterally, by a broad, smooth, quadrangular area of bone, corresponding to the inner surfaces of the body and superior ramus of the
ischium, and the part of the
ilium below the
arcuate line. Some sources consider this region part of the pelvic cavity, while others reframe the classification by calling the combination the
abdominopelvic cavity. The greater pelvis supports the
intestines (specifically, the
ileum and
sigmoid colon), and transmits part of their weight to the anterior wall of the
abdomen. The
femoral nerve from L2–L4 is in the greater pelvis, but not in the lesser pelvis.
Ligaments Arteries •
internal iliac artery •
median sacral artery •
ovarian artery Nerves •
sacral plexus •
splanchnic nerves •
femoral nerve (
greater pelvis) == Measurements ==