Question

Differentiate between the male and female pelvis in terms of

1) greater pelvis
2) pelvic inlet
3) pelvic arch and subpubic angle
4) greater sciatic notch


A) Male pelvis has a larger greater pelvis, wider pelvic inlet, more acute subpubic angle, and smaller greater sciatic notch.
B) Female pelvis has a larger greater pelvis, wider pelvic inlet, wider subpubic angle, and larger greater sciatic notch.
C) Male pelvis has a smaller greater pelvis, narrower pelvic inlet, wider subpubic angle, and larger greater sciatic notch.
D) Female pelvis has a smaller greater pelvis, narrower pelvic inlet, more acute subpubic angle, and smaller greater sciatic notch.

Answer 1

The female pelvis is adapted for childbirth and thus has a wider greater pelvis, broader pelvic inlet, larger subpubic angle, and greater sciatic notch compared to the male pelvis. The correct answer is B) Female pelvis has these features.

Step-by-step explanation:

The differentiation between the male and female pelvis is mainly due to differences in anatomy adapted for childbirth in females. The female pelvis has a number of distinctive features when compared with the male pelvis:

• The greater pelvis is wider.
• The pelvic inlet is broader, with a more rounded or oval shape, suitable for childbirth.
• The pelvic arch and subpubic angle are wider, typically greater than 80 degrees.
• The greater sciatic notch is broader, accommodating a wider pelvic structure.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is:

B) Female pelvis has a larger greater pelvis, wider pelvic inlet, wider subpubic angle, and larger greater sciatic notch.