Bones of the Pelvis

Overview

The bony pelvis supports abdominal and pelvic organs, transfers weight to the lower limbs and provides attachment points for key muscular and ligamentous structures. This section outlines the major components of the pelvic skeleton and their articulations. These structures form the rigid framework required for locomotion, childbirth and protection of viscera.

Key Structures

Topics include the hip bone, pelvic girdle, sacrum, coccyx and sacroiliac joint, describing their anatomical features, surfaces, and roles in stability and movement. Structural differences between male and female pelves are also relevant in this context.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Understanding pelvic skeletal anatomy is vital for interpreting fractures, pelvic ring stability, sacroiliac dysfunction and obstetric dimensions. This knowledge underpins trauma assessment, biomechanical analysis and radiological interpretation.

+ Read more
Articulating surfaces of the sacroiliac joint, illustrating the anatomical structure.

The Sacroiliac Joint

Hip bone of a 5-year-old displaying triradiate cartilage.

The Hip Bone

The Pelvic Girdle

Overview of the sacrum in anatomical position.

The Sacrum

Diagram highlighting the bony landmarks of the coccyx.

The Coccyx

Popular

Lateral view of the nasal septum highlighting the olfactory bulb and cribriform plate relationship.
The Cranial Nerves

The Olfactory Nerve (CN I) and Olfactory Pathway

by Kristen Davies

Illustration of the muscles of the anterior leg, including the anterior tibial artery.
Muscles of the Leg

Muscles in the Anterior Compartment of the Leg

by Dr Oliver Jones

Encyclopaedia

Multifidus

by Sharanya Bhaskaran