The pelvic girdle connects the lower limbs to the axial skeleton and provides a stable foundation for supporting body weight. This lesson introduces the bones that make up the hip bone and the major landmarks of its three regions.
The pelvic girdle, also called the hip girdle, consists of the right and left hip bones, or coxal bones. Each hip bone attaches a lower limb to the trunk and joins the axial skeleton at the sacrum. The two hip bones also meet anteriorly. Together with the sacrum and coccyx, they form the bony pelvis.
All flashcards
What is the difference between the pelvic girdle and the bony pelvis?
The pelvic girdle consists of the two hip bones. The bony pelvis includes those hip bones plus the sacrum and coccyx.
What are the three regions of an adult hip bone?
The ilium is the large superior region, the ischium is posteroinferior, and the pubis is anterior. They fuse during the late teenage years.
What is the function of the ischial tuberosity?
It supports body weight when sitting and provides an attachment for posterior thigh muscles.
What articulates at the auricular surface of the ilium?
The auricular surface articulates with the auricular surface of the sacrum to form the sacroiliac joint.
What forms the ischiopubic ramus?
The inferior pubic ramus joins the ischial ramus to form the ischiopubic ramus, extending from the pubic body toward the ischial tuberosity.
Quiz questions
Which bones form the acetabulum, the cup-shaped part of the hip joint?Answer: The ilium, ischium, and pubis.
Between which bones is the obturator foramen located?Answer: Between the pubis and ischium.
Which structures help form the greater sciatic foramen with the greater sciatic notch and sacrum?Answer: The sacrospinous ligament.
Which description correctly distinguishes the greater and lesser pelvis?Answer: The greater pelvis is superior and broad; the lesser pelvis is inferior and contains pelvic organs.
What is the distinct role of a forensic anthropologist compared with a forensic pathologist?Answer: The anthropologist examines skeletal evidence; the pathologist determines cause and manner of death.
Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.