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.