Pelvis - Anatomy & Physiology

Pelvic Girdle

Pelvis - Wikimedia Commons 2008

The pelvic girdle consists of two symmetrical halves. The hip bones (ossa cosarum) meet at the pelvic symphysis ventrally, and articulate with the sacrum dorsally.

Hip Bones

Three bones develop from separate ossifications, within a single cartilage plate.

1. Ilium

The ilium is craniodorsal and extends obliquely forward from the hip to articulate with the sacrum. The cranial wing varies between species. Dorsally, it forms the sacral tuber, which is more prominent in larger animals than in dogs and cats. Ventrally, it forms the tuber coxae, or the point of the hip. The margin of the wing is known as the iliac crest and the body is deeply excavated for attachment of the gluteus medius. The greater sciatic notch on dorsal border of the wing, is cut away at its junction with the shaft, to allow the sciatic nerve passage en route to the hind limb.

2. Pubis

The pubis extends medially from the joint to form the cranial pelvic floor. It is L-shaped to give two branches; cranial (acetabular) and caudal (symphysial).

3. Ischium

The ischium is caudal and forms most of the pelvic floor. The ischial tuberosity is formed by the caudolateral corner of the horizontal plate of the ischium. The pelvic symphysis comprises both the pubis and the ischium .

The Acetabulum provides the socket to the joint of the hip, and is composed of all three bones of the pelvis.

Pelvic Joints and Ligaments

Pelvic Symphysis, Gray's Anatomy - Wikimedia Commons 2008

Pelvic Symphysis: secondary cartilaginous joint that ossifies with age and may expand in parturition.

Sacroiliac joints: synovial joints combined with fibrous joints. They transmit the weight of the trunk to the hindlimbs.

Sacrotuberous ligament: varies tremendously between species, the caudal edge is palpable.

Species differences

Larger species have a more vertical ilium, bringing the sacroiliac joint (and with it the weight of the trunk) closer to the hip. Smaller species have an oblique ilium. The dog has a stout cord extending between the sacrum and lateral ischial tuberosity, this is not present in the cat. In ungulates, the sacrosciatic ligament expands to a broad sheet.

Pelvis - Anatomy & Physiology Learning Resources
Drag and Drop (Dragster) Test your knowledge using drag and drop boxes	Canine Pelvis Radiographical Anatomy Resources (I & II) Canine Pelvis Skeletal Anatomy Resources (I & II) Canine Pelvis Surface Anatomy Resources (I & II) Canine Pelvis and Femoral Region Surface Anatomy Resource Equine Abdomen and Hip Surface Anatomy Resource Equine Pelvis and Genitalia Surface Anatomy Resource
Videos Selection of relevant videos	Sacrosciatic Ligament of the Sheep
Computer Aided Learning Selection of relevant programmes to enhance your knowledge	Interactive programme where you can explore the radiographic anatomy of the dog, including the pelvis
OVAM Anatomy Museum Resources	Muscle flashcards - muscles of the canine hip

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