Title: The Pelvis
1- The pelvic girdle consists of the two hip bones, also known as the coxal bones
2- The hip bones join anteriorly at the pubic symphysis and they unite
posteriorly at the sacrum forming the sacroiliac joint.
3- Each of the two hips are composed of three bones: the ilium, ischium and
pubis
4- The ilium
5- The ischium
6- The pubis or pubic bone
7- The acetabulum (vinegar cup) is formed by portions of all three pelvic bones
and provides a socket for the head of the femur forming the hip joint
8- False versus True Pelvis
a- The pelvis is divided into the superior and inferior portions by the pelvic
brim
b- The portion of the pelvis superior to the pelvic brim is called the false
pelvis. The false pelvis contains the abdominal organs but none of the
pelvis organs except for the bladder when full and the uterus when
pregnant
c- The true pelvis contains the pelvic organs. The true pelvis also contains
the pelvic outlet also called the birth canal
9- Comparing male and female pelvi
a- In general the bones of the male pelvis are larger and heavier then those
of the female and have larger surface markings
b- Most structural differences in the pelvis are adaptations required for
pregnancy and childbirth
c- The female pelvis is wider and shallower. There is more space in the true
pelvis especially in the pelvic outlet
d- Table
Point of Comparison
General Structure
Acetabulum
Obturator foramen
Pubic arch
Iliac crest
Sciatic notch
Sacrum
Pelvic outlet
Female
Male