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I. Orientation of Pelvis   

II. Osteology   

III. Joints   

IV. Ligaments   

V. Pelvic Musculature   

VI. Perineum

[WebLecture Slide 19 320x240 pixels]
   
WebLecture Slide 19
   
The greater and lesser sciatic foramen have been shown to be passage ways for particular muscles.  They are also used by nerves and vessels.  Nervous supply to the perineum is via the pudendal nerve which reaches the perineum using both the lesser and greater sciatic foramen.  

The pudendal nerve is formed in the pelvis but must reach the perineum in order to innervate its target tissues (anal and perineal structures). The pudendal nerve is formed by sacral spinal segments 2, 3 and 4 as they exit the pelvic sacral foramina. In order to reach the the perineum without penetrating the pelvic diaphragm at the floor of the pelvic cavity, the pudendal nerve exits the pelvis by passing through the greater sciatic foramen and enters the perineum by entering through the lesser sciatic foramina. From a posterior view, a small portion of the pudendal nerve is located neither in the pelvis, nor in the perineum, but can be viewed after removal of the gluteal muscles sitting just lateral to the sacrum riding over the posterior aspect of the sacrospinous ligament.    
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