# What is the muscles and fasciæ of the pelvis?

Gray’s Anatomy (1918) describes the muscles and fasciæ of the pelvis as follows: The muscles within the pelvis may be divided into two groups: (1) the Obturator internus and the Piriformis, which are muscles of the lower extremity, and will be described with these (pages 476 and 477); (2) the Levator ani and the Coccygeus, which togethe...

## What it means

- The muscles within the pelvis may be divided into two groups: (1) the Obturator internus and the Piriformis, which are muscles of the lower extremity, and will be described with these (pages 476 and 477); (2) the Levator ani and the Coccygeus, which together form the pelvic diaphragm and are associated with the pelvic viscera. The classification of the two groups under a common heading is convenient in connection with the fasciæ investing the muscles.
- These fasciæ are closely related to one another and to the deep fascia of the perineum, and in addition have special connections with the fibrous coverings of the pelvic viscera; it is customary therefore to describe them together under the term pelvic fascia. Pelvic Fascia. —The fascia of the pelvis may be resolved into: ( a ) the fascial sheaths of the Obturator internus, Piriformis, and pelvic diaphragm; ( b ) the fascia associated with the pelvic viscera.
- The fascia of the Obturator internus covers the pelvic surface of, and is attached around the margin of the origin of, the muscle. Above, it is loosely connected to the back part of the arcuate line, and here it is continuous with the iliac fascia. In front of this, as it follows the line of origin of the Obturator internus, it gradually separates from the iliac fascia and the continuity between the two is retained only through the periosteum.
- It arches beneath the obturator vessels and nerve, completing the obturator canal, and at the front of the pelvis is attached to the back of the superior ramus of the pubis. Below, the obturator fascia is attached to the falciform process of the sacrotuberous ligament and to the pubic arch, where it becomes continuous with the superior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm. Behind, it is prolonged into the gluteal region.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/lit-hub/anatomy-of-the-human-body/6e-the-muscles-and-fasci-of-the-pelvis/)

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