Q:
What is greater sciatic foramen?
A:
Greater sciatic foramen is a major route of commnication between the pelvic cavity and the lower limb, formed by the greater sciatic notch in the pelvic bone, the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments, and the spine of the ischium.
Usually the greater sciatic foramen is wider in women than in men.
Structure
The greater sciatic foramen is bounded as follows:
- anterolaterally by the greater sciatic notch of the ilium
- posteromedially by the sacrotuberous ligament
- inferiorly by the sacrospinous ligament and the ischial spine
- superiorly by the anterior sacroilliac ligament
The foramen contains:
7 nerves:
- Sciatic Nerve
- Superior Gluteal Nerve
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve
- Pudendal Nerve
- Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris
- Nerve to Obturator Internus
3 Vessel Sets:
- Superior Gluteal Artery & Vein
- Inferior Gluteal Artery & vein
- Internal Pudendal Artery & vein
1 Muscle:
- Piriformis
Keyword: greater sciatic foramen
