1. Pelvis

2. Pelvic Girdle Attaches lower extremities to the axial skeleton
Provides strong support for the weight of the body
Also provides support for the urinary bladder, large intestine & internal reproductive organs

3. Pelvic Girdle
Consists of two coxal bones which meet anteriorly at the pubic symphysis and posteriorly with the sacrum at the sacroiliac joints
Ilium – largest component of the coxal bone
Acetabulum – socket for the head of the femur; formed by the ilium, ischium and pubis
Iliac crest – the superior border of the ilium
Greater sciatic notch – where the sciatic nerve (the longest nerve in the body) passes
Ischium – inferior, posterior portion of the hip bone

4. Pelvic Girdle Ischial tuberosity – rough, thick area on the ischium
Obturator foramen – largest foramen in the body where nerves and blood vessels pass through
Pubis – anterior and inferior part of the hip bone
Pubic symphysis – the joint between the two hip bones; consists of fibrocartilage
Pelvic brim – boundary that divides the pelvis into superior and inferior portions

5. Comparison of Male and Female Pelves
Female Male
Light and thin - heavy and thick
Large, oval pelvic brim - small, heart shaped pelvic brim
Small acetabulum - large acetabulum
Oval obturator foramen - round obturator foramen
Pubic arch >90° - pubic arch < 90°
Wide greater sciatic notch - narrow greater sciatic notch
Short, wide sacrum - long, narrow sacrum