Pelvic girdle

Pelvic Girdle Flashcards

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Front: Pelvic Girdle
Back:
Definition: Made of two coxae, the sacrum, and the coccyx.
Function: Supports and balances the trunk, protects pelvic organs, and connects trunk to lower limbs.
💡 Think: It's the sturdy base your upper body sits on.

Front: Coxae (2)
Back:
Definition: Large hip bones formed by fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.
Function: Articulates with sacrum and femur to form the pelvis and hip joint.
💡 Coxa = “hip” bone — it’s what you sit on!

Front: Obturator foramen
Back:
Definition: Large hole in each coxa closed mostly by a membrane.
Function: Reduces bone weight and allows nerves/vessels to pass through.
💡 Think: "Open gate" that lightens the bone.

Front: Acetabulum
Back:
Definition: Cup-shaped depression on each coxa.
Function: Holds the head of the femur to form the hip joint and transfer weight.
💡 Like a socket that cradles the femur — “ace” of the hip!

Front: Iliac crest
Back:
Definition: Curved upper ridge of the ilium.
Function: Muscle attachment site for trunk and arm movement.
💡 You can feel this on the sides of your waist!

Front: Greater sciatic notch
Back:
Definition: Large notch below the iliac spine.
Function: Pathway for nerves and blood vessels to reach the back of the leg.
💡 “Sciatic” = huge nerve that runs down your leg!

Front: Ischial tuberosity
Back:
Definition: Rough, thickened part of ischium that you sit on.
Function: Attachment for ligaments and thigh/leg muscles.
💡 Sit bones! “Tuberosity” = thick and bumpy for muscle grip.

Front: Pubic symphysis
Back:
Definition: Cartilage joint connecting the left and right pubic bones.
Function: Joins the two coxae in front; allows slight movement.
💡 “Symphysis” = coming together in the front.