pubic symphysis

Examples of pubic symphysis in the following topics:

• Cartilaginous Joints: Symphyses

  • The pubic symphysis or symphysis pubis is the midline cartilaginous joint (secondary cartilaginous) uniting the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones.
  • The suspensory ligament of the penis attaches to the pubic symphysis.
  • In females, the pubic symphysis is intimately close to the clitoris.
  • During birth, the pubic symphysis of relaxes to slightly widen the birth canal.
  • The pubic symphysis widens slightly whenever the legs are stretched far apart.

• Pubis

  • The two pubic bones joint anteriorly through the pubic symphysis, a cartilaginous joint.
  • The body of the pubis is a wide, strong, medial, and flat portion of the pubic bone that unites with the pubic symphisis.
  • The rough superior edge of the corpus, known as the pubic crest, ends laterally in the pubic tubercle.
  • This tubercle, found roughly 3 cm from the pubic symphysis, is a distinctive feature on the lower part of the abdominal wall and is useful when attempting to localize the superficial inguinal ring and the femoral canal of the inguinal canal.
  • The superior pubic ramus is one third of the pubic bone.

• False and True Pelves

  • The true (or lesser) pelvis is bounded in front and below by the pubic symphysis and the superior rami of the pubis; above and behind, by the sacrum and coccyx; and laterally, by a broad, smooth, quadrangular area of bone, corresponding to the inner surfaces of the body and superior ramus of the ischium, and the part of the ilium below the arcuate line.
  • The rectum is at the back, in the curve of the sacrum and coccyx; the bladder is in front, behind the pubic symphysis.

• Perineum

  • In human anatomy, the perineum is the surface region between the pubic symphysis and coccyx in both males and females, including the perineal body and surrounding structures.

• Functional Classification of Joints

  • Most joints in this category include cartilaginous joints such as those found between vertebrae and the pubic symphysis.

• Pelvic Structure and Childbearing

  • Additionally, the female pubic symphysis, which is the cartilaginous joint connecting the left and right side of the pelvis, is remodeled by hormones released during pregnancy, allowing it to stretch during childbirth.
  • The male pelvis is narrower than that of the female, as can be seen by the less than 90 degree angle of the pubic arch.
  • The female pelvis is wider than that of the male, as can be seen by the greater than 90 degree angle of the pubic arch.

• Structural Classification of Joints

  • Symphyses are found between the manubrium and sternum (manubriosternal joint), intervertebral discs, and the pubic symphysis.
  • Image demonstrates a synchondrosis joint with epiphyseal plate (temporary hyaline cartilage joint) indicated (a) and a symphysis joint (b).

• Dystocia and Cesarean Section

  • Shoulder dystocia is a dystocia in which the anterior shoulder of the infant cannot pass below the pubic symphysis or requires significant manipulation to pass below it.
  • It is often referred to as the bikini cut, as the skin incision is typically below the bikini line just above the pubic hair.

• Urinary Bladder Cancer

  • In males, the base of the bladder lies between the rectum and the pubic symphysis.

• Female Reproductive Anatomy

  • The mons pubis is a round, fatty area that overlies the pubic symphysis.