Pelvis

The ring of bones in the lower trunk consisting of 2 innominate (hip) bones, which are joined to the sacrum at the back and the pubic symphysis at the front. Each hip bone consists of 3 fused bones: the ilium (the largest and uppermost), ischium (which bears much of the body weight when sitting), and pubis (the smallest). In women, the pelvis is generally shallow and broad, and the pubic symphysis joint is less rigid than a man’s. These differences facilitate childbirth. In men, the greater body weight needs a larger and more heavily built pelvis.

 

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