Pelvis Flashcards
Iliac Crest
A
Location: The upper curved border of the ilium, forming the superior part of the pelvis
Attachments: Serves as an attachment for muscles such as the abdominal obliques, latissimus dorsi, and tensor fasciae latae
Function: Provides structural support and serves as a site for muscle attachment
Iliac Fossa
B
Location: A large, smooth concave surface on the anterior portion of the ilium
Attachments: Iliacus muscle
Function: Supports the abdominal organs and provides an attachment point for muscles
Sacral Promontory
C
Location: The anterior edge of the first sacral vertebra, projecting forward into the pelvic cavity
Attachments: None directly, but serves as an important landmark in obstetrics
Function: Forms part of the pelvic brim and marks the boundary between the true and false pelvis
Articulations: Connects to the lumbar vertebrae superiorly
Pelvic Brim
D
Location: A bony ring that separates the true pelvis from the false pelvis, following the sacral promontory, arcuate line, pectineal line, and pubic crest
Attachments: None directly
Function: Defines the boundary of the true pelvis, important for childbirth measurements
Ischial Spine
E
Location: A bony projection from the posterior aspect of the ischium, near the sacrum
Attachments: Sacrospinous ligament and coccygeus muscle
Function: Serves as an attachment for pelvic ligaments and muscles, and is an important landmark in obstetrics
Acetabulum
F
Location: A deep, cup-shaped depression in the pelvis where the ilium, ischium, and pubis meet
Attachments: Ligaments of the hip joint, such as the acetabular labrum
Function: Serves as the socket for the femoral head, forming the hip joint
Articulations: Articulates with the head of the femur
Obturator Foramen
G
Location: A large, oval opening between the ischium and pubis
Attachments: Covered by the obturator membrane and provides passage for the obturator nerve, artery, and vein
Function: Reduces the weight of the pelvis while allowing structures to pass through
Symphysis Pubis
H
Location: A fibrocartilaginous joint where the two pubic bones meet in the midline
Attachments: Reinforced by the superior and inferior pubic ligaments
Function: Provides slight movement to accommodate walking and childbirth
Articulations: Connects the left and right pubic bones
Pubic Arch
I
Location: The inverted V-shaped angle formed by the inferior pubic rami
Attachments: None directly, but serves as a landmark for measuring pelvic shape
Function: Helps define the pelvic outlet and plays a role in childbirth
Coccyx
J
Location: The small, triangular bone at the base of the sacrum, composed of fused vertebrae
Attachments: Gluteus maximus, coccygeus, and levator ani muscles
Function: Supports the pelvic floor and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles
Articulations: Articulates with the sacrum at the sacrococcygeal joint
Arcuate Line
K
Location: A smooth, curved ridge on the inner surface of the ilium, forming part of the pelvic brim
Attachments: None directly, but helps define the boundary between the true and false pelvis
Function: Serves as a landmark for pelvic measurements and structure
Sacrum
L
Location: A large, triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae
Attachments: Sacroiliac ligaments, pelvic muscles, and sacrotuberous ligament
Function: Provides stability and connects the spine to the pelvis
Articulations: Articulates with the ilium at the sacroiliac joints and with the coccyx at the sacrococcygeal joint
Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)
M
Location: A bony projection on the anterior edge of the iliac crest
Attachments: Sartorius muscle and inguinal ligament
Function: Serves as a landmark for pelvic measurements and muscle attachment
Sacroiliac Joint
N
Location: The joint where the sacrum and ilium meet on each side of the pelvis
Attachments: Stabilized by strong ligaments, including the anterior and posterior sacroiliac ligaments
Function: Transfers weight from the upper body to the lower limbs and provides limited movement
Articulations: Connects the sacrum to the ilium
Ischial Tuberosity
C
Location: The rough, bony projection on the inferior part of the ischium
Attachments: Hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus), sacrotuberous ligament
Function: Supports body weight when sitting and serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments
Greater Sciatic Notch
G
Location: A large, curved indentation on the posterior aspect of the ilium, below the posterior inferior iliac spine
Attachments: None directly, but the sacrospinous ligament converts it into the greater sciatic foramen
Function: Allows passage of important structures, including the sciatic nerve, superior and inferior gluteal nerves, and piriformis muscle
Inferior Gluteal Line
C
Location: A faint ridge on the external surface of the ilium, below the anterior and posterior gluteal lines
Attachments: Marks the lower boundary of the gluteus minimus muscle
Function: Serves as a landmark for muscle attachment in the gluteal region
Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS)
D
Location: A bony projection on the anterior aspect of the ilium, below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
Attachments: Rectus femoris muscle and iliofemoral ligament
Function: Serves as a key muscle attachment site for hip flexion and knee extension
Greater Sciatic Notch
F
Location: A large, curved indentation on the posterior ilium, below the posterior inferior iliac spine
Attachments: None directly, but the sacrospinous ligament converts it into the greater sciatic foramen
Function: Allows passage of the sciatic nerve, piriformis muscle, and superior/inferior gluteal nerves and vessels
Posterior Inferior Iliac Spine (PIIS)
G
Location: A bony projection below the posterior superior iliac spine on the ilium
Attachments: Posterior sacroiliac ligament
Function: Helps form the greater sciatic notch and serves as an attachment for ligaments
Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (PSIS)
H
Location: A bony prominence at the posterior end of the iliac crest
Attachments: Posterior sacroiliac ligament and part of the thoracolumbar fascia
Function: Serves as a landmark for clinical assessment of pelvic alignment
Superior Ramus
1
Location: The upper branch of the pubis, extending toward the acetabulum
Attachments: Pectineus muscle and obturator internus muscle
Function: Helps form part of the acetabulum and supports pelvic stability
Articulations: Articulates with the ilium and ischium
Pubic Tubercle
2
Location: A small, prominent bump on the superior aspect of the pubis, near the midline
Attachments: Inguinal ligament
Function: Serves as a key anatomical landmark and attachment site for ligaments
Inferior Ramus
4
Location: The lower branch of the pubis, extending downward to connect with the ischium
Attachments: Adductor muscles of the thigh, including adductor brevis and gracilis
Function: Contributes to the obturator foramen and supports muscle attachment
Articulations: Articulates with the ischial ramus
