Anatomy of the Male and 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.

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