Evolution of the Female Pelvis and Relationships to Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Overview

Journal Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct

Specialties Gynecology & Obstetrics
Urology

Date 2005 Jan 18

PMID 15654501

Citations 13

Authors

Megan Schimpf

Paul Tulikangas

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The female pelvis provides support for the lower limbs as well as for the gastrointestinal tract, the bladder, and the reproductive organs. It must also serve as a passageway for defecation, urination, and, possibly, delivery of an infant. The bones, ligaments, and muscles of the human female pelvis have evolved from our early ancestors. Pelvic organ prolapse may occur because of the limitations involved with adapting the pelvic bones, muscles, and ligaments previously used for other purposes into a supportive role. Here we review these changing roles and functions of nonhuman primate and human female anatomy.

Citing Articles

Changes in plasticity of the pelvic girdle from infancy to late adulthood in Homo sapiens.

Kubicka A Sci Rep. 2023; 13(1):9698.

PMID: 37322042 PMC: 10272276. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36703-2.

Squatting, pelvic morphology and a reconsideration of childbirth difficulties.

Gorman J, Roberts C, Newsham S, Bentley G Evol Med Public Health. 2022; 10(1):243-255.

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Aging of Pelvic Floor in Animal Models: A Sistematic Review of Literature on the Role of the Extracellular Matrix in the Development of Pelvic Floor Prolapse.

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Structural, functional and molecular pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse in patient and deficient mice.

Li Y, Nie N, Gong L, Bao F, An C, Cai H Aging (Albany NY). 2021; 13(24):25886-25902.

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Assessing the role of the pelvic canal in supporting the gut in humans.

Uy J, Laudicina N PLoS One. 2021; 16(10):e0258341.

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