The pelvic cavity is the lowest part of the human body’s trunk region. It is a hollow space located beneath the abdominal cavity and surrounded by the bones of the pelvis. It plays a very important role because it holds and protects some of the most vital organs in the body related to urinary, reproductive, and digestive systems.
1. Boundaries of the Pelvic Cavity
The pelvic cavity is like a deep bowl formed by bones, muscles, and ligaments.
Front and sides: Surrounded by the pelvic bones (ilium, ischium, and pubis).
Back: Formed by the sacrum and coccyx (the last parts of the vertebral column).
Top: The imaginary line that separates it from the abdominal cavity (called the pelvic inlet).
Bottom: Closed off by the pelvic floor, a group of strong muscles that hold everything up (like a hammock).
2. Parts of the Pelvic Cavity
It is divided into two regions:
Greater (false) pelvis: This is the upper part that is technically more part of the abdominal cavity. It supports the intestines.
Lesser (true) pelvis: This is the lower, smaller part. It actually contains most of the pelvic organs.
3. Organs Found in the Pelvic Cavity
The organs inside depend slightly on whether the person is male or female.
In females, it includes:
Uterus – the muscular organ where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Ovaries – produce eggs and female hormones.
Fallopian tubes – carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
Vagina – the muscular canal connecting the uterus to the outside of the body.
Bladder – stores urine.
Rectum – stores solid waste before it exits through the anus.
In males, it includes:
Prostate gland – produces fluid for semen.
Seminal vesicles – help make semen.
Vas deferens – carries sperm from the testicles.
Bladder – stores urine.
Rectum – same function as in females.
4. Functions of the Pelvic Cavity
Protection: The bony structure around the pelvic cavity protects the organs inside it.
Support: It supports the weight of abdominal organs and transmits that weight to the legs.
Childbirth (in females): The shape of the true pelvis is specially adapted to allow passage of a baby during birth.
Excretion: It houses parts of the urinary and digestive systems involved in removing waste.
Reproduction: It holds and supports the reproductive organs and their functions.
5. Pelvic Floor
The pelvic cavity has a "floor" made of strong muscles. These muscles:
Help hold all pelvic organs in place.
Control the release of urine and feces.
Play a role during sexual activity and childbirth.
If these muscles weaken (for example, after childbirth), pelvic organs might shift out of place, causing problems like incontinence.
Summary
The pelvic cavity is a strong, compact, and vital region of the body, housing organs that manage urination, reproduction, childbirth, and waste removal. Its structure—bones, muscles, and ligaments—gives both protection and support to these delicate systems.
