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Anatomy of the Male and Female Pelvis

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 5 originally separate sacral vertebrae.

  • Coccyx (also called the tail bone). Formed by the fusion of 4 originally separate coccygeal bones.

  • Three bones:

    • Ilium. The broad, flaring portion of the hipbone (the crest of the pelvis).

    • Pubis. The lower, posterior part of the hipbone.

    • Ischium. One of the bones that helps form the hip.

Medical Reviewers:

  • Rahul Banerjee MD
  • Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
  • Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN