The pelvis consists of two bones held together by cartilage, allowing for slight movement. This mobility is important during activities such as walking and giving birth.
Key landmarks in the pelvis:
Iliac Crest: The upper ridge of the ilium.
Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS): The forward projection of the iliac crest.
Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS): Located just below the ASIS.
Acetabulum: The socket for the femur that forms the hip joint.
Pubic Tubercle: Located at the tip of the pubis.
Ischial Tuberosity: The bony prominence you sit on; can cause discomfort when sitting on hard surfaces.
Obturator Foramen: A large hole in the pelvis through which nerves and blood vessels pass.
Greater Sciatic Notch: A notch through which the sciatic nerve passes, related to conditions like sciatica.
Ischial Spine: Projection located superior to the ischial tuberosity.
Lesser Sciatic Notch: Smaller notch located below the ischial spine.
The entire structure is referred to as the Coxal Bone, comprising the ilium, ischium, and pubis.
Exam consideration: Identify the specific bones (ilium, ischium, pubis) and their contributions to the hip joint.
Males typically have a narrower pelvic angle (less than 90 degrees) compared to females (greater than 90 degrees).
The pelvic shape can be used for sex determination in skeletal remains due to these structural differences.
Femur: The longest bone in the human body, connecting the hip joint to the knee joint.
Important anatomical features:
Femoral Head: Articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.
Femoral Neck: The constricted area just below the head.
Greater Trochanter: A large, lateral projection for muscle attachment, noticeable during leg movements.
Lesser Trochanter: A smaller projection on the femur, situated medially.
Patellar Surface: The groove where the patella (kneecap) sits.
Medial and Lateral Condyles: Articulate with the tibia at the knee.
Linea Aspera: A ridge along the back of the femur for muscle attachment.
Popliteal Surface: Located at the back of the knee joint.
Types of fractures in the femur:
Acetabular Fracture: Involves the pelvis.
Femoral Neck Fracture or Femoral Head Fracture: Involves the femur itself.
Distinguishing between types of fractures is crucial for patient management.
Patella: A sesamoid bone located within the quadriceps tendon, acting as a protective shield for the knee joint.
The patella elevates and lowers with knee movements.
Notable for its unique shape, which distinguishes it from other bones.
Tibia: Known as the shinbone, is the larger bone of the lower leg.
Fibula: The thinner bone located next to the tibia.
Key tibial landmarks:
Tibial Tuberosity: An attachment site for the quadriceps tendon, located below the knee.
Medial Malleolus: The bony prominence on the inside of the ankle.
Lateral Condyle and Medial Condyle: Joint surfaces at the knee.
Fibula landmarks are simpler, primarily its head and lateral malleolus (the outer ankle bone).
The fibula is not directly involved in the knee joint, positioned alongside the tibia.
Femur , pelvic -2025-03-10
The pelvis consists of two bones held together by cartilage, allowing for slight movement. This mobility is important during activities such as walking and giving birth.
Key landmarks in the pelvis:
Iliac Crest: The upper ridge of the ilium.
Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS): The forward projection of the iliac crest.
Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (AIIS): Located just below the ASIS.
Acetabulum: The socket for the femur that forms the hip joint.
Pubic Tubercle: Located at the tip of the pubis.
Ischial Tuberosity: The bony prominence you sit on; can cause discomfort when sitting on hard surfaces.
Obturator Foramen: A large hole in the pelvis through which nerves and blood vessels pass.
Greater Sciatic Notch: A notch through which the sciatic nerve passes, related to conditions like sciatica.
Ischial Spine: Projection located superior to the ischial tuberosity.
Lesser Sciatic Notch: Smaller notch located below the ischial spine.
The entire structure is referred to as the Coxal Bone, comprising the ilium, ischium, and pubis.
Exam consideration: Identify the specific bones (ilium, ischium, pubis) and their contributions to the hip joint.
Males typically have a narrower pelvic angle (less than 90 degrees) compared to females (greater than 90 degrees).
The pelvic shape can be used for sex determination in skeletal remains due to these structural differences.
Femur: The longest bone in the human body, connecting the hip joint to the knee joint.
Important anatomical features:
Femoral Head: Articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.
Femoral Neck: The constricted area just below the head.
Greater Trochanter: A large, lateral projection for muscle attachment, noticeable during leg movements.
Lesser Trochanter: A smaller projection on the femur, situated medially.
Patellar Surface: The groove where the patella (kneecap) sits.
Medial and Lateral Condyles: Articulate with the tibia at the knee.
Linea Aspera: A ridge along the back of the femur for muscle attachment.
Popliteal Surface: Located at the back of the knee joint.
Types of fractures in the femur:
Acetabular Fracture: Involves the pelvis.
Femoral Neck Fracture or Femoral Head Fracture: Involves the femur itself.
Distinguishing between types of fractures is crucial for patient management.
Patella: A sesamoid bone located within the quadriceps tendon, acting as a protective shield for the knee joint.
The patella elevates and lowers with knee movements.
Notable for its unique shape, which distinguishes it from other bones.
Tibia: Known as the shinbone, is the larger bone of the lower leg.
Fibula: The thinner bone located next to the tibia.
Key tibial landmarks:
Tibial Tuberosity: An attachment site for the quadriceps tendon, located below the knee.
Medial Malleolus: The bony prominence on the inside of the ankle.
Lateral Condyle and Medial Condyle: Joint surfaces at the knee.
Fibula landmarks are simpler, primarily its head and lateral malleolus (the outer ankle bone).
The fibula is not directly involved in the knee joint, positioned alongside the tibia.