Bones of the Pelvis

The pelvis protects parts of the digestive organs as well as the reproductive organs. It also provides support to the spinal cord.

The bones of the pelvis contain:

• Sacrum
• Tail bone
• Hip Bones
  • Pubis
  • Ilium
  • Ischium

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Pelvic Bones

Sacrum: The sacrum, also called the sacral vertebra, is a shield-shaped bone located at the base of the lumbar vertebrae. It strengthens and stabilizes the pelvis. The sacrum also forms the posterior pelvic wall.

Tail bone: The tailbone is also called the coccyx. It is a small bone with a triangular shape that roughly resembles a small tail. The coccyx is also the final segment of the vertebral column. The coccyx, along with the sacrum are weight-bearing structures that are important for movement.

Hip Bones: The human hip bones are composed of three parts- Pubis, Ilium and Ischium. Before puberty, these three bones are separated by cartilage called the triradiate cartilage. Usually, these bones begin to fuse from the age of 15-17.

• Pubis: In humans, the pubis is located at the front (ventral and anterior). The left and right pubic bones join together, forming the pubic symphysis. Anatomically, the pubic bone consists of three parts – the body of the pubis, inferior ramus of the pubis, and superior ramus of the pubis.
• Ilium: The ilium is the largest of the hip bones. It is also the uppermost part of the hip bone. It is rather easy to identify, with its characteristically broad and flaring bones.
• Ischium: The Ischium, just like the pubis, forms 3 parts – the body, inferior ramus of the Ischium and superior ramus of the ischium

Explore more: Human Skeletal System 

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