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The pelvic girdle is a ring-like structure located in the lower part of the trunk, connecting the axial skeleton to the lower limbs. It is formed by a single hip bone (also known as the coxal bone) and serves as the attachment point for each lower limb. The hip bone, in turn, is joined to the axial skeleton through its connection to the sacrum of the vertebral column. The pelvic girdle has several important functions, including supporting the weight of the upper body when sitting and transferring this weight to the lower limbs when standing. It also acts as an attachment point for trunk and lower limb muscles, such as the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, which form a large sheet of skeletal muscle that makes up the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor helps to maintain continence and prevent the contents of the pelvic cavity from falling through its outlet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | A ring-like structure, located in the lower part of the trunk |
| Formation | Formed by a single hip bone (coxal bone) |
| Attachment | Provides an attachment point for a number of muscles and ligaments used in locomotion |
| Functions | Transfer of weight from the upper axial skeleton to the lower appendicular components of the skeleton, especially during movement |
| Provides dynamic stability of the trunk and hips for balance and ambulation | |
| Protects the internal pelvic organs | |
| Supports the visceral contents of the pelvis | |
| Maintains continence and helps prevent the contents of the pelvic cavity from falling through its outlet | |
| Allows the distribution of loads from the trunk and upper limbs to the lower limbs and vice versa during walking | |
| Serves as an attachment point for 36 muscles | |
| Types | Greater pelvis (false pelvis) and lesser pelvis (true pelvis) |
| Openings | Two in males and three in females |
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What You'll Learn
Pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that form the base of the core muscles, along with the abdominal muscles, back muscles, and diaphragm. They stretch from the pubic bone in the front of the body to the tailbone (coccyx) at the back, and from one sitting bone (ischial tuberosity) to the other on the pelvis's right and left sides. The pelvic floor muscles are usually firm and thick, and they can be weakened by injury, ageing, reduced oestrogen, and childbirth.
These muscles support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, bowel, and uterus (womb) in women, by acting as a "'floor'" for the abdominal viscera. They also help with essential bodily functions such as urination, defecation, and sexual function. For example, when the pelvic floor muscles are contracted, they lift the internal organs of the pelvis and tighten the openings of the vagina, anus, and urethra. Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles widens these passages, allowing for urination and defecation.
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Pelvic girdle pain
PGP can cause significant discomfort and impact mobility and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for relieving pain and preventing long-term issues. Treatment options include physiotherapy, exercises, manual therapy, and pain relief. Physiotherapy aims to improve muscle function, joint position, and stability, as well as provide advice on movement, rest, and pacing activities to manage pain.
The pelvic girdle is a ring-like structure located at the base of the spine, formed by the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx. It connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs and provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments involved in locomotion. The pelvic girdle can be divided into two parts: the greater pelvis (false pelvis) and the lesser pelvis (true pelvis). The greater pelvis is located superiorly and provides support for lower abdominal viscera, while the lesser pelvis resides inferiorly, housing the pelvic cavity and pelvic viscera.
The pelvic floor, which seals off the lower part of the pelvis, is composed of thick skeletal muscles, ligaments, and fascia. It helps maintain continence and supports the visceral contents of the pelvis. The pelvic floor muscles are collectively referred to as the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, forming a large sheet of skeletal muscle. The levator ani is made up of the puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus muscles, while the coccygeus muscle is sometimes considered part of the levator ani complex.
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Pelvic girdle anatomy
The pelvic girdle, also known as the hip girdle, is a ring-like structure located in the lower part of the trunk. It is formed by a single bone, the hip bone or coxal bone, which serves as the attachment point for each lower limb. The hip bone, in turn, is joined to the axial skeleton through its articulation with the sacrum of the vertebral column. The right and left hip bones also converge anteriorly to attach to each other. The pelvis can be divided into two regions: the greater pelvis (false pelvis) and the lesser pelvis (true pelvis). The junction between the two is known as the pelvic inlet, which marks the boundary between the two regions. The pelvic inlet is defined by its edge, the pelvic brim, and its size and shape are determined by the prominent ridges, which serve as a key site for the attachment of muscles and ligaments.
The pelvis consists of four bones: the right and left hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx. The pelvis has several important functions, including supporting the weight of the upper body when sitting and transferring this weight to the lower limbs when standing. It also serves as an attachment point for trunk and lower limb muscles, as well as providing protection for the internal pelvic organs. The pelvic girdle is a key transitional area of the body, providing dynamic stability of the trunk and hips for balance and ambulation.
The pelvic floor, or diaphragm, is a unique anatomical location where the balance of different pressures, visceral, muscular, or liquid, plays a fundamental role in the functioning of the structures contained within. It is a basin-shaped muscular diaphragm that helps to support the visceral contents of the pelvis. The pelvic floor is primarily made up of thick skeletal muscles, along with nearby ligaments and their investing fascia. The pelvic floor muscles are collectively referred to as the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, with the coccygeus sometimes considered part of the levator ani complex. The levator ani is made up of the puborectalis, pubococcygeus, and iliococcygeus muscles.
The perineal body is a fibromuscular structure located between the vagina/testicles and the anus, attaching to the sides of the ischiopubis rami by the deep transverse perineal muscle. It is known as the central tendon of the pelvis because many pelvic floor structures intersect with the perineum at this structure. The pelvic diaphragm is a thin, muscular layer of tissue that forms the inferior border of the abdominopelvic cavity, extending from the symphysis pubis to the coccyx and from one lateral sidewall to the other.
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Pelvic girdle function
The pelvic girdle is a ring-like structure, located in the lower part of the trunk. It is formed by a single bone, the hip bone or coxal bone, which serves as the attachment point for each lower limb. The hip bone, in turn, is firmly joined to the axial skeleton via its attachment to the sacrum of the vertebral column. The right and left hip bones also converge anteriorly to attach to each other. The pelvis consists of four bones: the right and left hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx.
The pelvis has several important functions. Its primary role is to support the weight of the upper body when sitting and to transfer this weight to the lower limbs when standing. It serves as an attachment point for trunk and lower limb muscles, and also protects the internal pelvic organs. The pelvic girdle is a key transitional area of the body that must provide dynamic stability of the trunk and hips for balance and ambulation. The pelvic inlet marks the boundary between the greater pelvis and lesser pelvis. Its size is defined by its edge, the pelvic brim. The greater pelvis (false pelvis) is located superiorly and provides support for the lower abdominal viscera. The lesser pelvis (true pelvis) is located inferiorly and contains the pelvic cavity and pelvic viscera.
The pelvic floor is a unique anatomical location where the balance of different pressures, either visceral, muscular, or liquid, play a fundamental role in the physiological functioning of the structures contained therein. The pelvic floor is primarily made up of thick skeletal muscles along with nearby ligaments and their investing fascia. It is a basin-shaped muscular diaphragm that helps to support the visceral contents of the pelvis. The pelvic floor maintains continence and helps prevent the contents of the pelvic cavity from falling through its outlet. The pelvic floor is in anatomical continuity with the large gluteus, also involved in pelvic contractions. Pelvic floor contractions allow the distribution of loads from the trunk and upper limbs to the lower limbs and vice versa during walking and in orthostatism.
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Pelvic girdle and childbirth
The pelvic girdle is a ring-like structure formed by the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx. It is located at the base of the spine and connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs. The pelvic girdle serves several functions, including transferring weight from the upper skeleton to the lower limbs, providing attachment points for muscles and ligaments, and containing and protecting the pelvic viscera.
During pregnancy, it is common for women to experience pelvic girdle pain or pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), previously known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). PGP is characterised by a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by stiffness or uneven movement of the pelvic joints. It can affect the sacroiliac joints at the back and/or the symphysis pubis joint at the front, radiating pain to other areas such as the hips and thighs. PGP can impact mobility and quality of life, causing pain during walking, climbing stairs, or even turning over in bed.
PGP is estimated to affect up to one in five pregnant women, and while it is not harmful to the baby, it can significantly impact the mother's comfort and movement. The condition can be managed through early diagnosis and treatment, which is safe at any stage during or after pregnancy. Treatment options include physiotherapy, which focuses on improving muscle function, joint stability, and pelvic joint position. Physiotherapists may recommend specific exercises to strengthen abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, improving balance, posture, and spine stability. Manual therapy, relaxation techniques, and advice on movement and rest positions are also part of the treatment regimen.
Most women with PGP can still have a normal vaginal birth. It is important to inform the healthcare team about PGP during labour so they can provide appropriate support. Birthing pools or water births are recommended as the water can take the weight off the joints, allowing for easier movement. All types of pain relief are available, including an epidural, and in most cases, a caesarean section is not necessary. Planning ahead and discussing birth plans and comfortable positions with the midwife or birth partner can help manage PGP during childbirth.
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Frequently asked questions
The pelvic girdle is a ring-like structure located in the lower part of the trunk. It is formed by a single hip bone, or coxal bone, which serves as the attachment point for each lower limb.
The pelvic floor is made up of thick skeletal muscles, along with nearby ligaments and fascia. The pelvic floor muscles are collectively referred to as the levator ani and coccygeus muscles.
The pelvic girdle muscles provide stability to the pelvis and protect the internal pelvic organs. They also help to maintain continence and prevent the contents of the pelvic cavity from falling through its outlet.
The pelvic girdle muscles work in conjunction with the respiratory diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and other connected muscles such as obturators, piriformis, and adductors to allow for movements such as twisting, standing, and sitting. They also play a role in walking and maintaining balance.
