Anatomy MSK - Pelvis and Anterior Posterior Gluteal Regions

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the anatomical structures, nerves, and clinical conditions of the pelvis and gluteal regions based on the lecture notes.

Pelvic girdle

Ring shaped bones connecting the vertebral column to the femurs.

Primary functions of the pelvic girdle

Bearing load of the upper body and transferring it to the lower body, providing attachments, protection, and support.

Female pelvis characteristics

Larger and more circular pelvic inlet, shallower hip bones that flare wider, shorter sacrum, and a more rounded pubic arch.

Pelvic floor muscles function

Responsible for defecation, urination, sexual pleasure, and visceral support.

PSIS

Posterior Superior Iliac Spine.

PIIS

Posterior Inferior Iliac Spine.

Angle of inclination

The angle between the femoral head and the femoral shaft, which is normally $125^{\circ}$.

Coxa valga

A condition where the angle of inclination is greater than $125^{\circ}$; causes genu varum.

Coxa vara

A condition where the angle of inclination is less than $125^{\circ}$; causes genu valgum.

Femoral anteversion

A condition that causes a toe in posture.

Femoral retroversion

A condition that causes a toe out posture.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint

The articulation between the surfaces of the sacrum and ilium; functions to transmit the weight of most of the body to the hip joints with little movement.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint type

A synovial joint anteriorly and a syndesmosis posteriorly.

Trochanteric bursa

Separates the gluteus maximus from the greater trochanter.

Gluteofemoral bursa

Separates the iliotibial tract from the superior part of the proximal attachment of the vastus lateralis.

Ischial bursa

Separates the inferior part of the gluteus maximus from the ischial tuberosity; often absent.

Trochanteric bursitis contraindications

Avoid sitting with legs crossed, side lying, and hip hanging (standing with sway to the side).

Gluteus medius and minimus function

Essential for preventing contralateral hip drop.

Trendelenburg gait

A pelvis drop on the side of the raised limb caused by weakness of the gluteus medius and minimus.

Triceps coxae

A muscle group consisting of the superior gemellus, obturator internus, and inferior gemellus.

Lumbar plexus

A bundle of nerves from $L1-L4$ that merges into the sacral bundle.

Obturator nerve

A branch of the lumbar plexus ($L2-L4$) that innervates the hip abductors and obturator externus.

Femoral nerve

A branch of the lumbar plexus ($L2-L4$) that innervates the hip flexors and knee extensors.

Lumbosacral trunk

Consists of $L4$ and $L5$; travels along the wing of the sacrum and descends into the pelvis to contribute to the sacral plexus.

Sacral plexus

Formed by the ventral rami of $L4-S4$ and the lumbosacral trunk ($L4, L5$); located on the anterior surface of the piriformis.

Superficial gluteal nerves

Nerves that supply most of the skin in the gluteal region.

Deep gluteal nerves

Nerves of the sacral plexus supplying skin and motor innervation; includes the sciatic, superior gluteal, inferior gluteal, nerve to quadratus femoris, and nerve to obturator internus.

Sciatic nerve

The largest nerve in the body, comprised of the tibial nerve and common fibular nerve; normally passes inferior to the piriformis.

Piriformis syndrome

A condition where the sciatic nerve pierces the piriformis.

Iliopsoas tightness

Can lead to lordosis when standing.