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Orthopaedic Center

Anatomy of the Male and Female Pelvis

Anatomy of the female pelvis
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The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. It contains the following:

  • sacrum  -  a spade-shaped bone that is formed by the fusion of five originally separate sacral vertebrae.

  • coccyx (Also called the tail bone.)  -  formed by the fusion of four originally separated coccygeal bones.

  • three hip bones, including the following:

    • ilium  -  the broad, flaring portion of the hip bone (the crest of the pelvis).

    • pubis  -  the lower, posterior part of the hip bone.

    • ischium  -  one of the bones that helps form the hip.

Anatomy of the male pelvis
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Date Last Reviewed: 3/31/2008
Date Last Modified: 12/3/2008