Download the lower extremity – the pelvic girdle

THE LOWER EXTREMITY – THE PELVIC GIRDLE
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The pelvic girdle consists of 2 coxal bones which are commonly called the pelvic
or hip bones - it provides strong support for the lower extremities
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The coxal bones are united anteriorly at the symphysis pubis and posteriorly at
the sacrum
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At birth the coxal bones are made up of 3 distinct bones – ilium, ischium and
pubis however they eventually fuse together at the acetabulum
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Ilium makes up the superior lateral section of the girdle – the iliac crest is the
superior border of the ilium
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Ischium bears the weight of the body when sitting down – it is the anterior
inferior section of the girdle
The ischium joins with the pubis to surround the obturator foramen through
which veins, arteries and nerves pass to lead to the lower extremities
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Pubis is the anterior, superior section of the girdle and the symphysis pubis is
the anterior joint of the 2 coxal bones which is made of calcified cartilage