curve of Carus


curve of Carus

(kar′ŭs) [Carl Gustav Carus, Ger. physiologist and painter, 1789–1869] An arc corresponding to the pelvic axis. At the end of the second stage of labor, when the fetal head reaches the curve of Carus, it is directed upward toward the vaginal introitus and forced into extension by the resistance of the pelvic floor.