Final answer:
The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs and aids in childbirth, with procedures like an episiotomy facilitating vaginal birth. Fertilization membrane and foramen ovale are crucial during early development in fetal life. The pelvic girdle supports the lower limbs and overall pelvis integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Pelvic Floor and Associated Medical Terms
The pelvic floor is essential in supporting the pelvic organs and facilitating functions like urination and, in females, childbirth. An episiotomy is a surgical incision in the perineum and posterior vaginal wall to aid vaginal birth by enlarging the vaginal opening. It becomes necessary when there is a risk of tearing during the expulsion phase of childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the pubis to the coccyx, forming the pelvic diaphragm and comprising muscles like the levator ani and the ischiococcygeus. The pelvic region consists of various structures including the pelvic brim, pelvic inlet, and pelvic outlet, which form the boundaries of the pelvic cavity and also play a vital role during the birth process.
Fertilization and subsequent fetal development rely on the proper function of the pelvic structures. Following fertilization, the fertilization membrane forms around the nascent zygote as a defense against polyspermy, while the development of a fetus from week 9 to birth occurs within the protective confines of the mother's pelvis. During fetal development, structures like the foramen ovale allow the bypass of the pulmonary circuit, vital for fetal circulation.
Conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can impact the pelvic region, with repercussions on fertility and the risk of ectopic pregnancies. The pelvic girdle plays a supportive role for the lower limbs and is composed of paired bones — ilium, pubis, and ischium.