Corpus: Lesser pelvis

The lesser pelvis is the part of the pelvis that lies below the pelvic inlet line (linea terminalis).

The lesser pelvis consists of the pelvic inlet (apertura pelvis superior), the pelvic cavity (cavitas pelvis) and the pelvic outlet (apertura pelvis inferior). It is deeper in the posterior region than in the anterior region and is bounded by the following bony structures:

• anteriorly and inferiorly: Pelvic symphysis and pubic rami (superior pubic rami)
• above and behind: inner sides of the sacrum and coccygeal bone
• lateral: inner side of the ischial bone and ischial branches (superior ischial rami)

The lesser pelvis contains the following organs, which are also referred to as pelvic organs due to their location:

• Rectum
• Urinary bladder
• Ovaries (woman)
• uterus (woman)
• Vagina (woman)
• Prostate (man)

The pelvis also contains smaller accessory sex glands, ducts and the pelvic lymph nodes.

• Podcast image source: © Midjourney