Anatomy of the female pelvis

[Extract] Knowledge of the major features of the female pelvis is essential to the understanding of the processes of reproduction and child bearing and to the effect that various pathological processes may have on the pelvic organs and on the health of the woman.\ud \ud The structure and function of the genital organs vary considerably with the age of the individual and her hormonal status, as will be apparent in chapter 16, which covers the changes that take place in puberty and the menopause. This chapter aims to outline the major structures comprising the female pelvis, predominantly in the sexually mature female