The pelvic canal, the space between the bones of the pelvis, may be a challenging term to spell. The first syllable, "pelv-," is pronounced /ˈpɛlv/ (pelv) with the "e" pronounced like the first sound in the word "element." The second syllable, "-ic," is pronounced /ˈɪk/ (ick) with the "i" pronounced like the word "it." Lastly, the final syllable, "-canal," is pronounced /kəˈnæl/ (kuh-nal) with a schwa sound for the "a" and emphasis on the "n." Therefore, "pelv-ik kuh-nal" is the correct way to spell "pelvic canal."
The pelvic canal refers to a narrow passageway within the pelvis of the human body. It is composed of the bones of the pelvis, including the sacrum, coccyx, and the two hipbones known as the innominate bones. This canal serves as a conduit for various structures, including blood vessels, nerves, and the reproductive organs.
In females, the pelvic canal has a distinctive role in childbirth. During pregnancy, the fetus grows and develops within the uterus, and when the time comes for delivery, the baby must pass through the pelvic canal to be born. The shape and size of the pelvic canal can play a crucial role in the ease of delivery, with specific anatomical features influencing the process. For instance, the size of the pelvic inlet, the curved shape of the sacrum, and the flexibility of the pubic symphysis can all impact the passage of the baby during labor.
In addition to childbirth, the pelvic canal is also involved in numerous other bodily functions. It houses and protects vital structures such as the urinary bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in females, and the prostate and seminal vesicles in males. Moreover, the pelvic canal is crossed by important blood vessels, such as the common iliac arteries and veins, which supply and drain blood to and from the lower limbs.
Overall, the pelvic canal is a crucial component of the pelvis and plays a fundamental role in reproduction, childbirth, and the passage of various structures within the human body.
The passage from the superior to the inferior strait of the pelvis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The terms "pelvic" and "canal" both have different etymologies.
The word "pelvic" comes from the Latin word "pelvis", which means basin or bowl. In anatomy, the pelvis refers to the bony structure located at the base of the spine, formed by the hip bones and the sacrum. The term "pelvis" itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "pel", meaning basin or bowl.
The word "canal" comes from the Latin word "canalis", which means conduit or channel. It is derived from the Latin word "canna", meaning reed or pipe. In anatomy, a canal often refers to a passageway or tube-like structure within the body.
So, the term "pelvic canal" is a combination of these two words and specifically refers to a passageway or channel within the pelvis.