Posterior Abdominal Wall, Bladder, and Pelvic Anatomy

A comprehensive set of flashcards based on key anatomical structures, functions, and clinical correlations related to the posterior abdominal wall, bladder, and pelvic anatomy.

What are the primary muscles of the posterior abdominal wall?

Psoas major, Psoas minor, Iliacus, Quadratus lumborum, Transversus abdominis, Diaphragm.

What is the action of the Psoas major?

Major flexor of the thigh at the hip.

Where does the Psoas major insert?

Lesser trochanter of the femur.

What is the origin of the Iliacus muscle?

Iliac fossa.

Which nerve innervates the Psoas muscles?

Lumbar spinal nerves.

What is the superior attachment of Quadratus lumborum?

Inferior border of rib 12.

What is the action of Quadratus lumborum?

Fixes the 12th rib during inspiration.

What major blood vessels are associated with the abdominal aorta?

Inferior Phrenic arteries, Subcostal arteries, Lumbar arteries, Renal arteries, Gonadal arteries, Suprarenal arteries.

What are the three unpaired visceral branches of the abdominal aorta?

Celiac trunk, Superior mesenteric artery, Inferior mesenteric artery.

What do the renal arteries supply?

The kidneys.

How do the renal veins differ from the renal arteries?

The left renal vein is longer than the right and drains into the IVC.

What is the anatomical significance of the caval foramen?

It allows passage for the inferior vena cava.

What is the innervation of the diaphragm?

Phrenic nerve.

What are the key functions of the kidneys?

Filtration of blood, regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid-base balance, urine formation.

How many nephrons does each kidney approximately contain?

About 1 million.

What structures do the ureters connect?

The kidneys and the urinary bladder.

What is the capacity of the urinary bladder?

700 - 800 mL.

What anatomical features distinguish the male from the female urinary bladder?

Males: anterior to rectum; Females: anterior to vagina, anteroinferior to uterus.

What is the function of the internal urethral sphincter?

Controls the release of urine from the bladder.

Which arteries supply blood to the urinary bladder?

Branches of the internal iliac artery.

What distinguishes the foregut organs supplied by the celiac trunk?

Lower esophagus, stomach, spleen, liver, gall bladder, proximal duodenum, pancreas.

What characterizes the midgut?

Supplied by the superior mesenteric artery.

What key structures are located in the abdominal cavity?

Liver, pancreas, distal duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon.

Which veins return blood from the kidneys?

Renal veins.

What is the significance of the hepatic portal vein?

It connects the gastrointestinal tract to the liver for detoxification.

What structures comprise the pelvic diaphragm?

Levator ani and coccygeus muscles.

What is the primary function of the pelvic diaphragm?

It supports the pelvic organs.

What are the primary branches of the internal iliac artery?

Superior gluteal artery, inferior gluteal artery, internal pudendal artery.

What is the difference between the false pelvis and true pelvis?

False pelvis supports digestive organs; true pelvis contains pelvic organs.

What is the male equivalent to the female uterus?

Prostatic utricle.

How do the external genitalia differ between males and females?

Males have a penis and scrotum, females have a vulva.

What structures are included in the female reproductive anatomy?

Ovary, uterus, uterine tubes, vagina.

Where does fertilization typically occur?

In the ampulla of the uterine tube.

What is the role of the seminal vesicles in male reproductive anatomy?

They produce seminal fluid, constituting 50-70% of semen.

What is the primary function of the prostate gland?

To produce seminal fluid and contribute to ejaculation.

What happens during episiotomy?

An incision is made in the perineum to facilitate vaginal delivery.

What are the layers of the stomach wall?

Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa.

What is the purpose of the rugae in the stomach?

To allow for expansion when food enters.

Which arteries primarily supply the stomach?

Left gastric artery, right gastric artery, gastroduodenal artery.

What are the clinical signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination.

Describe the relationship of the bladder in males.

Anterior to rectum.

Describe the relationship of the bladder in females.

Anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus.

Where do the uterine tubes end?

The ampulla, which is the normal site of fertilization.

What is the composition of the renal cortex?

Contains nephrons and renal columns.

What happens in the renal medulla?

Contains renal pyramids and collects urine through calyces.

What anatomical feature helps to distinguish the left renal vein from the right?

The left renal vein is longer and drains into the inferior vena cava.

What are the main functions of the adrenal glands?

Regulating hormones related to stress response, metabolism, and immune response.

How is blood drained from the testes?

Via the pampiniform plexus and then to the testicular veins.

What anatomical landmarks define the boundaries of the pelvis?

Pubic symphysis, ischial tuberosities, coccyx, and sacrum.

What is the function of the mesentery?

Anchors the intestines and contains blood vessels and nerves.

How is the liver supplied with blood?

Hepatic arteries and hepatic portal vein.

Which structures can be affected by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

Uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries.

What role does the diaphragm play during inspiration?

It contracts to increase thoracic volume and draw air into the lungs.

What is the path of urine from the renal pelvis?

Through the ureters to the bladder.

What structures are found in the spermatic cord?

Testicular artery, pampiniform plexus, ductus deferens.

What function does the external anal sphincter serve?

It provides voluntary control over defecation.

Which muscle forms the pelvic floor?

Levator ani and coccygeus.

Name a major function of the celiac trunk.

Supplies oxygenated blood to the foregut organs.

What separates the urogenital triangle from the anal triangle in the perineum?

An imaginary line connecting the ischial tuberosities.

What is the main blood supply to the sigmoid colon?

Inferior mesenteric artery.

What anatomical feature helps with the filtration of blood in the kidneys?

Nephrons.

How do the male and female urethras differ in length?

The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra.

What are the layers of the bladder wall?

Mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia.

What connects the testes to the abdominal cavity?

Spermatic cord.

What is the internal urethral sphincter composed of?

Smooth muscle fibers.

What major structure passes through the esophageal hiatus?

Esophagus.

Which organ lies posterior to the pubic symphysis in females?

Urinary bladder.

What is the anatomical significance of the iliac crest?

It serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.

What is the significance of the lodgement of the ovulated oocyte in the peritoneal cavity?

It allows for capture by the fimbriae of the uterine tubes.

What is the clinical relevance of BPH?

It can cause urinary obstruction and increased frequency of urination.

What are the contents of the femoral triangle?

Femoral nerve, artery, and vein.

Describe the anatomy of the female reproductive system.

Includes vagina, uterus, ovaries, and uterine tubes.

What is the function of the pudendal nerve?

Innervates the perineum and external genitalia.

What structures make up the anal triangle?

Anus, anal sphincters, and levator ani.

What is the primary function of smooth muscle in the bladder wall?

To facilitate the expulsion of urine.

Describe the anatomical relationship of the prostate to the bladder.

The prostate surrounds the prostatic urethra just below the bladder.

What provides hormonal control in the body?

The endocrine glands such as the adrenal glands.

Where do the arteries supplying the ovaries originate?

From the abdominal aorta.

What is the role of the gallbladder?

To store and concentrate bile.

What is the primary function of the kidneys in terms of excretion?

To filter waste products from the blood and excrete urine.

What structure initiates the menstrual cycle and regulates reproductive functions?

Ovaries.

What connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body?

Urethra.

What is the primary function of the circumvallate papillae in the tongue?

Taste sensation.

What critical function does the greater omentum perform in the abdomen?

Acts as a protective layer and stores fat.

How does the anatomy of the male pelvis differ from that of the female pelvis?

Males have a narrower pelvic inlet and outlet compared to females.

Which arteries provide blood supply to the testes?

Testicular arteries.

What is the effect of the prostate gland on semen?

It secretes fluids that nourish and transport sperm.

What structure demarcates the beginning of the rectum?

The anal canal.

What are potential complications of PID in females?

Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain.

Describe the location of the ovaries.

They are located lateral to the uterus in the pelvic cavity.

What anatomical features aid in stabilizing the pelvis?

Pelvic ligaments and bony structures.

What is the primary anatomical landmark for assessing pelvic fractures?

Pelvic inlet.

What are the primary functions of the urethra in both sexes?

To conduct urine from the bladder and allow for reproductive fluids in males.

How does the male reproductive system differ from the female reproductive system concerning ducts?

Males have a vas deferens while females have uterine tubes.

What is the significance of the superficial and deep perineal spaces?

They house various structures of the reproductive and excretory systems.

What components make up the male external genitalia?

Penis, scrotum, testes.

What fluids does the prostate gland secrete?

Prostatic fluid that contains enzymes and nutrients for sperm.

What is the primary role of the renal pelvis?

To collect urine from the calyces and convey it to the ureter.

What anatomical feature marks the transition between the esophagus and stomach?

The esophageal sphincter.

What is the major function of the pancreas in digestive physiology?

To produce digestive enzymes and hormones.