Pelvis Pelvic Girdle Attaches lower extremities to the

Pelvis

Pelvic Girdle �Attaches lower extremities to the axial skeleton �Provides strong support for the weight of the body �Also provides support for the urinary bladder, large intestine & internal reproductive organs

Pelvic Girdle �Consists of two coxal bones which meet anteriorly at the pubic symphysis and posteriorly with the sacrum at the sacroiliac joints �Ilium – largest component of the coxal bone �Acetabulum – socket for the head of the femur; formed by the ilium, ischium and pubis �Iliac crest – the superior border of the ilium �Greater sciatic notch – where the sciatic nerve (the longest nerve in the body) passes �Ischium – inferior, posterior portion of the hip bone

Pelvic Girdle �Ischial tuberosity – rough, thick area on the ischium �Obturator foramen – largest foramen in the body where nerves and blood vessels pass through �Pubis – anterior and inferior part of the hip bone �Pubic symphysis – the joint between the two hip bones; consists of fibrocartilage �Pelvic brim – boundary that divides the pelvis into superior and inferior portions

Comparison of Male and Female Pelves Female - Light and thin - Large, oval pelvic brim - Male - heavy and thick - small, heart shaped pelvic brim Small acetabulum - large acetabulum Oval obturator foramen - round obturator foramen Pubic arch >90° - pubic arch < 90° Wide greater sciatic notch - narrow greater sciatic notch Short, wide sacrum - long, narrow sacrum