Pelvis anatomy

The pelvis is the ring of bone where the trunk meets the legs, below the abdomen, formed by the two hip bones, the sacrum and the coccyx. The pelvic cavity inside holds the bladder and rectum, and in women the uterus and ovaries. The head of the femur fits into the socket on the side of each hip bone, the acetabulum, to form the hip joint.

Frequently asked questions

How many bones make up the pelvis?

In the adult, four: the two hip bones, the sacrum and the coccyx. Each hip bone forms from three bones, the ilium, ischium and pubis, that fuse into one during growth.

Which organs are inside the pelvis?

The bladder and the rectum. In women the uterus, ovaries and upper vagina also lie in the pelvis; in men, the prostate and seminal vesicles.

Which joints join the bones of the pelvis?

At the back the sacrum meets each hip bone at a sacroiliac joint, and at the front the two hip bones meet at the pubic symphysis. On the outside each hip bone forms the hip joint with the femur.

Parts in the pelvis

Bones of the pelvis

Joints of the pelvis

Bone counts

Other regions

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Related reading

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