Bones of the Pelvic Girdle

Ischium

Known as the "sit-down bone" because it's the most inferior part of the coxal bone.

Ilium

Large, flat bone that makes most of the hip bone and connects posteriorly with the sacrum.

Pubis

Most anterior part of the coxal bone.

False pelvis

Superior to the true pelvis.

True pelvis

Surrounded by bone. (A women's pelvis dimensions are very important as it must allow an infant's head to pass through during childbirth.

What is the hip bone formed by?

The fusion of three bones: illum, ischium and pubis.

What is the pelvic girdle formed by?

The two coxal bones (hip bones) and the sacrum (if you add in the coccyx, it makes the pelvis).

Iliac crest

The upper edge of the ala.

Ala

The winglike projections of the ilia (You rest your hands on this when you stand with your hands on your hip).

Outlet

Inferior opening of the pelvis measured by ischial spines.

Inlet

Superior opening between right and left sides of the pelvic rim.

In what ways does a female pelvis' differ from a male pelvis?

•Female inlet is larger and more circular • female pelvis as a whole is shallower and bones are lighter and thinner • female ilia flare more laterally • female sacrum is shorter and less curved • female ischial spines are shorter and father apart; thus the outlet is larger. • Female pubic arch is more rounded because the angle of the pubic arch is greater

Pelvic girdle

Bones are large, heavy, and are attached to axial skeleton via the sacral attachment to the lowermost lumbar vertebra. Bearing weight is the most important job of this girdle because the entire upper body rests on the pelvis (also protects reproductive organs).