Pelvic inlet

Pelvic inlet

Diameters of superior aperture of lesser pelvis (female).
Details
Identifiers
Latin apertura pelvis superior
Dorlands
/Elsevier		 a_51/12144724
FMA 17272

Anatomical terms of bone

The pelvic inlet or superior aperture of the pelvis is a planar surface which defines the boundary between the pelvic cavity and the abdominal cavity (or, according to some authors, between two parts of the pelvic cavity, called lesser pelvis and greater pelvis).

Its position and orientation relative to the skeleton of the pelvis is anatomically defined by its edge, the pelvic brim. The pelvic brim is an approximately apple-shaped line passing through the prominence of the sacrum, the arcuate and pectineal lines, and the upper margin of the pubic symphysis.

Occasionally, the terms pelvic inlet and pelvic brim are used interchangeably.

Boundaries

The edge of the pelvic inlet (pelvic brim) is formed as follows:

Anteriorly
by the pubic crest (or pubic symphysis)
Laterally
by the iliopectineal line 		(same as other side)
Posteriorly
by the anterior margin of the base of the sacrum (or the ala of sacrum) and sacrovertebral angle (or sacral promontory)

Diameters

The diameters or conjugates of the pelvis are measured at the pelvic inlet and outlet and as oblique diameters.

Name Description Average measurement in female
Anteroposterior or conjugate diameter or conjugata vera Extends from the sacrovertebral angle (promontorium) to the pubic symphysis; about 110 mm.
Transverse diameter Extends across the greatest width of the superior aperture, from the middle of the brim on one side to the same point on the opposite; about 135 mm.
Oblique diameter Extends from the iliopectineal eminence of one side to the sacroiliac articulation of the opposite side; about 125 mm.
Anatomical conjugate Extends from the pubic symphysis to the promontory; about 120 mm.
Diagonal conjugate Extends from inferior pubic ligament to promontory through the vagina; about 130 mm.
Straight conjugate Extends from the lower border of the pubic symphysis to the tip of coccyx. The coccyx can bend posteriorly and expand the diameter with 25 mm; about 95 mm (+ 25 mm).
Median conjugate Extends from the lower border of the pubic symphysis to the lower border of the sacrum; about 115 mm.

Two diameters may be measured from the outside of the body using a pelvimeter

Name Description Average measurement in female
Interspinous distance Extends between the anterior superior iliac spines; about 260 mm.
Intercristal distance Extends between the furthest later points of the two iliac crests; about 290 mm.

Additional images

See also

External links

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