PELVIC DIAPHRAGM Meaning and
Definition
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The pelvic diaphragm refers to a unique structure within the human body that plays a crucial role in supporting and controlling the pelvic organs. It is a muscular partition comprised of several muscles, including the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, which stretch across the floor of the pelvic cavity.
Located at the base of the pelvis, the pelvic diaphragm acts as a supportive foundation for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. Additionally, it helps to maintain the proper positioning of these organs within the pelvis. The muscles of the pelvic diaphragm can contract and relax, enabling voluntary control over the functions of urination and defecation.
Functionally, the pelvic diaphragm aids in maintaining continence by providing support to the pelvic organs and assisting in the closure of the urethra and anus. It also contributes to sexual function by acting as a stabilizing platform during intercourse.
Furthermore, the pelvic diaphragm has important roles during childbirth. It facilitates the downward movement of the baby through the birth canal by relaxing and stretching to accommodate the infant's passage.
Overall, the pelvic diaphragm serves as a vital component of the musculoskeletal system, providing structural support and enabling the proper functioning of urinary, digestive, and reproductive processes.
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A shallow funnel-like partition formed by the levator ani and coccygeus muscles and their fasciae; it is deficient anteriorly leaving a space closed by the diaphragma urogenitale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PELVIC DIAPHRAGM
- oelvic diaphragm
- lelvic diaphragm
- -elvic diaphragm
- 0elvic diaphragm
- pwlvic diaphragm
- pslvic diaphragm
- pdlvic diaphragm
- prlvic diaphragm
- p4lvic diaphragm
- p3lvic diaphragm
- pekvic diaphragm
- pepvic diaphragm
- peovic diaphragm
- pelcic diaphragm
- pelbic diaphragm
- pelgic diaphragm
- pelfic diaphragm
- pelvuc diaphragm
- pelvjc diaphragm
- pelvkc diaphragm
Etymology of PELVIC DIAPHRAGM
The word "pelvic diaphragm" is derived from two different sources - "pelvic" and "diaphragm":
1. "Pelvic" originates from the Latin word "pelvis", which means a basin. It refers to the basin-shaped structure formed by the bones of the pelvis.
2. "Diaphragm" comes from the Greek word "diaphragma", which means a partition or barrier. In anatomy, "diaphragm" refers to a sheet of muscle that separates different body cavities, such as the chest and abdominal cavity.
When these two terms are combined, "pelvic diaphragm" is used to describe the muscular partition located within the pelvic basin. It is a group of muscles situated at the base of the pelvis, supporting and forming the floor of the pelvic cavity.
