Definition

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.

Anatomy of the female pelvis

Anatomy of the male pelvis

Online Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C

Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 12/31/2022

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