Glossary
Acetabulum: It is the socket present at the lateral aspect of the hip bone, into which the head of the femur articulates.Anus: It is the external opening of the rectum.
Cervix: It is a cylindrical-shaped neck-like tissue that connects the uterus and the vagina.
Coccyx: A small triangular bone present at the base of the spinal column that is formed of fused vestigial vertebrae.
Femur: It is the bone of the thigh that articulates with the hip and knee. The femur is the longest bone in the body.
Hernia: It isa condition in which part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it. Herniation is a characteristic feature of POP.
Ilium: It is a large broad bone that forms the upper part of either side of the pelvis.
Iliac crest: This is the thick curved upper border of the ilium, the most prominent bone of the pelvis.
Ischium: This isthe dorsal and posterior of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis.
Pelvic floor: It is the muscular base of the abdomen that is attached to the pelvic bones.
Pessary: A pessary is a device made of medical-grade silicone that is inserted inside the vagina and provides support to the internal structures. It is used as a treatment option for POP.
Pubic symphysis: It is the midline cartilaginous joint uniting the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones.
Pubis: The pubis constitutes the pubic bone, which is located ventrally and anteriorly of the three principal bones composing either half of the pelvis.
Rectum: It is the final portion of the large intestine that stores feces and terminates at the anus.
Sacrum: It isa triangular bone in the lower back (below the lumbar region and above the coccyx) formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hip bones of the pelvis.
Sigmoid colon: This is also called the pelvic colon that forms a loop-like structure and is nearest to the rectum and anus.
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Speculum: This is a gynecological instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder with a rounded end that is divided into two hinged parts, which is inserted into the vagina to dilate it for examination of the vagina and cervix.
Urethra: It is the tube connecting the urinary bladder to the urinary meatus and is used for elimination of urine.
Urinary bladder: It is a hollow muscular organ that collects urine from the kidneys and stores it before expulsion by urination through the urethra.
Vulva: It is the external genital part of females.
