ABSTRACT

To understand the pelvic support system of the female pelvic organs, it is useful to subdivide the pelvic support system into 3 axes: 1) the upper vertical axis, 2) the midhorizontal axis, and 3) the lower vertical axis. The endopelvic fascia--a network of connective tissue and smooth muscle--constitutes the physical matrix which envelops the pelvic viscera and maintains the integrity of the axes supporting the bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, and rectum in their respective anatomic relationships.