• The os coxae and sacrum make up the pelvic girdle.

• Each coxal bone is made up of three fused bones:  the ilium, ischium and pubis.

	Ilium
	Pubis
	Ischium
	Sacrum
	Coccyx
	Obturator Foramen
	Symphysis Pubis
	Acetabulum
	Sacroiliac joint
	Iliac crest

• The acetabulum is formed by the ischium, ilium and the pubis.  This is where the head of the femur articulates with the pelvis.

• The symphysis pubis is inbetween the two pubic bones anteriorly.  The upside down V shape formed where the pubic bones come meet is the pubic arch.  The angle is > than 90 degrees in women, and < 90 degees in males.  The female pelvis is also more shallow and broader than the male pelvis.

• The ilium is the largest of the three bones making up the os coxae, and it is the most superior.  Here you will find the anterior superior and inferior spines, as well as the posterior superior and inferior spines.

• The ischium is the inferior posterior bone of the pelvic girdle.  It has the ischial tuberosity, which is what we sit on.

 Back to Anatomy Index

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