Pelvic girdle

Question 1

What bones does the pelvic girdle consist of?

Answer 1

Formed by the sacrum and 2 hip bones

Question 2

Give 3 functions of the pelvic girlde

Answer 2

Attaches lower limb to the axial skeleton
Transmits the full upper body weight to the lower limbs
Protects organs of the pelvis

Question 3

What bones make up the pelvis

Answer 3

Ilium, Ischium and pubis bone are 3 separate bones during childhood but fuse as an adult.

Question 4

Where does the head of the femur articulate with?

Answer 4

On the lateral side of the pelvis is a hemispherical socket called the acetabulum

Question 5

What occurs at the end of the iliac crest anteriorely and posteriorely?

Answer 5

Anteriorely = anterior superior iliac spine
Posteriorely = posterior superior iliac spine

Question 6

How can you find the PSIS?

Answer 6

The posterior superior iliac spine is difficult to palpate but its position is revealed by a skin dimple in the sacral region

Question 7

What can be found just inferior to the posterior superior iliac spine?`

Answer 7

The ilium indents to form the greater sciatic notch, through which the sciatic nerve passes to enter the thigh.

Question 8

What part of the pelvis does the ischium form?

Answer 8

The ischium forms the posteroinferior part of the pelvis

Question 9

What are 3 major markings on the ischium and where can they be found?

Answer 9

1. Ischial spine = projects medially into the pelvic cavity
2. Lesser sciatic notch = just inferior to the ischial spine
3. Ischial tuberosity = the inferior surface of the ischial body. We sit on these.

Question 10

What part of the pelvis does the pubis form?

Answer 10

The pubis forms the anterior portion of the pelvis

Question 11

Describe the layout of the pubis

Answer 11

The anterior border of the pubis is thickened to form the pubic crest. At the lateral end of the pubic crest is the pubic tubercle

Question 12

Describe the differences in the following characteristics for female and male pelves;

1. General structure
2. Bone thickness
3. Coccyx
4. Pelvic inlet

Answer 12

1. Female pelvis is tilted more forward for childbirth, whereas male pelvis is tilted less far forward to support heavier build
2. Females have lighter bones
3. Women’s coccyx are more move able, for childbirth
4. Women have a wider pelvic inlet for childbrith