The joint between the pelvis and the upper end of the femur. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint; the smooth, rounded head of the femur fits securely into the acetabulum, a cup-like cavity in the pelvis. Tough ligaments attach the femur to the pelvis, further stabilizing the joint and providing it with the necessary strength to support the weight of the body and take the strain of leg movements. The structure of the hip allows a considerable range of leg movement.
Hip |
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