Where is the pelvis. Pelvic bone

06.11.2020

The pelvic cavity is the anatomical space bounded by the pelvic bones. Depending on the sex, the structure of this part of the body is different. In a woman, the area is more protected, since it contains important organs for conceiving and bearing a child. You can see the differences in more detail on the diagrams of the structure of the female and male organs of the small pelvis. Injury to the pelvic cavity is fraught with anal incontinence, impaired reproductive function, and pathologies of the genitourinary system.

Anatomy of the small pelvis in men and women

In medicine, the small pelvis (in Latin pelvis minor) is a collection of bones and soft tissues located below the border line. In men, the pelvis is narrower and longer; in women, it is shorter and wider. This is due to the reproductive function inherent in the female body by nature. The male skeleton, in turn, must be hardy, strong and withstand a variety of loads. The exit from the small pelvis is closed by the pelvic and urogenital diaphragms, formed from muscles and fascia.

The urogenital diaphragm in men is perforated by the urogenital canal, in women by the urethra and vagina. Both have a rectum passing through it.

Features of this area, characteristic of both sexes:

variability of the volume, shape and position of organs;
several operational accesses to organs.

For examinations and surgical interventions on the pelvic organs, there are separate specializations - gynecology and urology.

Skeletal system

The upper borders of the pelvic girdle are the iliac crests. You can feel them yourself if you put your hands on both sides just below the waist. Long bone formations stretch from the sacrum and go around the side surfaces of the body.

The pelvis itself is a symmetrical bone formation (pictured right). It consists of a sacrum with a coccyx, a pair of nameless and a pair of pelvic bones. In turn, each nameless includes three interconnected bones:

iliac;
pubic;
ischial.

The place of their articulation is the acetabulum - a deep fossa covered with cartilage. The iliac crest is formed along the edge of the flat and curved ilium. Behind, in front and below, it is surrounded by iliac spines. On the posterior lateral inner surface of the ilium is the sacroiliac joint. From top to bottom, the bone passes into the ischium, and then into the ischial tuberosity. On the right and on the left, this zone is covered with muscle and adipose tissue, which creates support for a person when sitting.

Anteriorly and downwards, the ilium fuses with the pubis or pubis. The right and left sides of the womb are fused together with cartilage. To palpate this area, it is enough to find a triangle under the abdomen.

In women, the large trochanters of the thighs protrude more than in men. The amount of adipose tissue in this zone prevails in them. Visually, it seems that the lower part is much wider than the shoulders.

Ligaments and muscles

Joints and ligaments provide a connection between the left and right parts of the pelvic cavity. Several elements are involved in the formation of pubic fusion:

symphysial surfaces of the pubic bones;
interpubic disc;
superior pubic ligament;
inferior arcuate pubic ligament.

Ligaments also strengthen the sacroiliac joint capsule. Dorsal ligaments run along the dorsal surfaces of the bones, and ventral ligaments run along the ventral surfaces. The sacro-spinous and sacro-tuberous ligaments run from the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity. With their help, large and small ischial notches turn into ischial openings.

The iliac-lumbar ligament is responsible for connecting the bones to the vertebral region. It performs flexion and supination of the hip in the hip joint, flexes the lumbar spine with a fixed leg.

The muscles of the small pelvis are called levators (pictured right). They are very elastic, ways to greatly contract and stretch. The main task is to maintain the abdominal cavity. Other functions of the pelvic muscle group:

keep organs in an anatomically correct position;
contribute to the normal functioning of organs;
prevent urinary and fecal incontinence.

Being in good shape, the muscles help women enjoy intimacy and facilitate the process of natural childbirth.

To strengthen the pelvic muscles, a special system of Kegel exercises has been developed. They are aimed at maintaining tone, improving blood circulation and stimulating cell renewal. To achieve a long-term effect, classes must be regular.

The pelvic musculature consists of two layers:

perineum - the surface layer of fibrous muscles;
pelvic diaphragm - a deep layer of dense, large muscles.

Fibrous muscles are directed from the inside out and intertwine three openings: the sphincter, urethra and vagina. The latter is typical only for women. The vagina is an elastic muscular tube 7-12 cm long. Its walls consist of inner, middle and outer layers. The middle one is a smooth muscular frame, the bundles of which are directed in the longitudinal direction. In the upper part, it passes into the muscles of the uterus.

The lower part of the vagina is much stronger than the upper part, however, it can lose its elasticity over time. To control the process of contraction of the vaginal muscles, it is enough to change the intra-abdominal pressure.

For the development of intra-abdominal pressure management, there are pneumatic simulators. The most popular are vaginal balls.

Blood supply, lymphatic system and innervation

The blood flow to the pelvis and lower extremities is provided by ducts extending from the abdominal aorta. The most important role in this system is played by the internal iliac artery. Additional vessels involved in blood circulation:

superior rectal artery;
ovarian arteries;
median sacral artery.

The internal iliac artery is the medial branch of the common iliac artery. Its length is about 4 cm, in some it reaches 6 cm. In the region of the sciatic foramen, the vessel is divided into anterior and posterior trunks. The visceral and parietal branches depart from them, forming the vascular system of the small pelvis.

Visceral branches are directed to the pelvic organs, and parietal - to the walls of the pelvis.

The visceral branches of the internal iliac artery include:

superior cystic arteries;
uterine artery;
middle rectal artery;
internal pudendal artery.

The parietal branches are represented by the following vessels:

iliac-lumbar artery;
lateral sacral artery;
gluteal arteries;
obturator artery.

The outflow of blood to the heart occurs through the veins or their plexuses. In particular, along the internal and external iliac veins.

The lymphatic system of the pelvis is represented by several groups of nodes:

Iliac. They are located along the common and external iliac arteries. They receive lymph from the lower extremities, buttocks, perineum and lower part of the abdominal wall.
Internal iliac. They take lymph from large pelvic organs and pelvic walls. Pass along the same name artery.
sacral. Collect lymph from the rectum and the back wall of the pelvis. They are located on the anterior surface of the sacrum.

The efferent lymphatic vessels of these groups anastomose perfectly with the inferior vena cava and portal vein.

Lymphatic venous anastomoses of the pelvis are dangerous if a woman has cancer of the genital organs. This increases the risk of tumor cells entering the bloodstream.

Pleasant or painful sensations are transmitted to the brain through nerve endings. If the system is working correctly, you should analyze the situation and identify the cause of the discomfort.

Two types of nervous system are involved in the innervation of the pelvic organs:

Somatic (animal). Transmits impulses from the skin, muscles, periosteum, pelvic bones and parietal peritoneum.
Autonomous (vegetative). Represented by the superior hypogastric plexus, sacral nerves and pelvic sympathetic trunk. Nerve fibers are located in the genitals, bladder, ureters, blind and rectum, appendix.

The nerve endings of the autonomic nervous system differ from the somatic one by incomplete myelin coverage. This significantly slows down the process of passage of a pain impulse through them. For a person, pain is felt as poorly localized, spilled. Discomfort cannot be determined by palpation.

Innervation of the sigmoid and rectum, bladder triangle, urethra, upper vagina, cervix and sacro-uterine ligaments is provided by sensory fibers of the parasympathetic system. The pain in these areas is sharp, radiating to the buttocks, lower back or lower limbs.

Sympathetic fibers serve as a link between the central nervous system (CNS) and the fundus of the uterus, the inner surface of the fallopian tubes, the broad ligaments of the uterus, the bottom of the bladder, the appendix, and the dome of the caecum. Symptoms of any pathological processes in these areas are localized in the lower abdomen.

Impulses from the ovaries, the lateral two-thirds of the fallopian tubes, the ureters and the surrounding cellular spaces move along the afferent fibers to the spinal cord. They are responsible for pain in the umbilical region.

excretory organs

The excretory organs are an integral part of the pelvis. Here are the bladder and ureters, urethra, rectum and anus. Depending on the gender, the arrangement of the elements changes. The main differences between the male and female excretory systems:

In a woman, the bladder is located in the lower part of the pelvis: in front of the vagina and ureters, behind the pubic bone. The length of the urethra is 3-4 cm.
In men, the bladder occupies the space between the pubic bone and the rectum. The urethra is much longer and passes through the penis.

Pelvic organs in women

The bladder acts as a reservoir for urine. On the back side, two ureters are attached to it. When a sufficient amount of fluid accumulates, nerve impulses enter the brain and the person receives the urge to urinate. The walls of the bubble are very elastic, so they are easily stretched. The process of excretion of urine occurs through the urethra (urethra). Since this organ is wider and shorter in the female half, they urinate more often and faster.

The final link in the food chain is the rectum. The organ has bends in the places where the sacrum and coccyx pass. In women, it also passes through the perineum and adheres to the wall of the vagina.

In the rectum, the process of complete breakdown of food and the accumulation of feces takes place. The lumen is closed by sphincters, which, when receiving a signal from the brain, facilitate the passage of feces.

The area around the anus, where the mucous membrane passes into the skin, is called hemorrhoidal. It can form hemorrhoids.

reproductive system

One of the most important functions of a person is assigned to the reproductive system - reproductive. Any pathology in this area can lead to infertility or difficulty conceiving. Only a regular examination by a gynecologist or urologist, testing and knowledge of your body will help to avoid this.

Each person must have information about how his reproductive system works. In a woman, it consists of the following organs:

small and large labia;
clitoris;
hymen (hymen or crown);
ovaries;
fallopian tubes;
uterus;
vagina.

For reproduction, the eggs are the most valuable. Their maturation takes place in the ovaries. After they go outside and move through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. If conception does not occur during this period, menstruation occurs.

The male reproductive system also consists of external and internal genital organs. These include:

penis;
scrotum;
testicles;
epididymis;
prostate;
vas deferens;
urethra.

The formation and maturation of sperm occurs in the testicles. During sexual intercourse, they mix with seminal fluid and are pushed out during ejaculation.

The testicles synthesize male sex hormones - testosterone and androgen. They have the greatest influence during puberty.

Crotch

It is a mistake to consider the perineum as part of an exclusively female body. In fact, the term characterizes a complex of soft formations located between the pubic bones in front, ischial tuberosities on the sides and the coccyx in the back. The space is occupied by muscles and fascia (sheaths of connective tissue).

Conventionally, the perineum can be divided into two parts: the anterior (urogenital diaphragm) and the posterior (pelvic diaphragm). The border between them is the line connecting the ischial tubercles. In women, the vagina and urethra pass through the anterior diaphragm, while in men, only the urethra passes through. The anus is located in the region of the posterior diaphragm.

The perineum, like any other area, is prone to various diseases. A boil or herpes, diaper rash, infectious lesions, hernias may appear here. In girls at an early age and adult men, there are specific tumors - teratomas. The formations have a high chance of becoming malignant. The main symptoms of any pathology are sharp pain, swelling, bleeding.

The pelvis is the part of the skeleton where the lower limbs and torso meet. The pelvic bones form the pelvic girdle. There are two sections in it: a large (upper part) and a small pelvis (lower part). The pelvic bone (os coxae) performs almost all the functions of the skeleton, and, above all, the supporting one, this is what explains its atypical structure. It is the largest bone in the human body.

The structure of the pelvis in men and women is different. It has to do with childbearing.

The structure of the pelvic girdle is due to its important functions. The human pelvis consists of two innominate pelvic bones, the sacrum and the coccyx. With the help of the joints, all these bones are connected into a ring that forms the pelvic cavity.

The pelvic bone in children under 16 years of age consists of three separate bones: ischium, pubic, ilium, which are interconnected by cartilage. With age, they fuse and function as a single pelvic bone.

In the pelvic region there is a connection of the lower extremities with the trunk: the femur articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvic bone, forming the hip joint. The structure of this area has gender differences, this is due to the reproductive function of a woman. In women, the pelvis is lower and wider both in the transverse and in the longitudinal direction. The wings of the ilium and ischial tuberosities in a woman are more strongly deployed to the sides. Many important and massive muscles of the body are attached to the pelvic bones. The shape of the bones that make up the pelvis and their location can be seen in the photo below.

Functions

The main function of the pelvic bones is supporting, which is why they must be as strong as possible, able to withstand high loads.

The skeleton of the lower limb of a person is divided into a belt, which consists of two pelvic bones, and a free part. Such a division appeared in connection with the supporting function of this part of the skeleton as the main one, since these bones are massive, with strong joints. The belt is represented by the pelvic bone, the free part consists of the following bones: femur, kneecap, lower leg and foot. The anatomy of the pelvic girdle suggests the following main functions of this part of the skeleton:

Supports and movements: the entire weight of the upper half of the body falls on the pelvis.
Protection: the pelvic bone protects the internal organs of a person located in the pelvic cavity.

Support and movement

Human anatomy provided for the creation of a high strength support element, this led to the fusion of individual pelvic bones into a strong and massive bone. In the center, on its outer surface, there is a recess - the acetabulum, which is necessary for articulation with the femoral head (see photo). This is the main point where the mass pressure and movement of the upper part of the person is transmitted. That is why its strength and area must be sufficient: it is extensive in diameter, deep, with a sheer edge. At this point, three pelvic bones fuse in adolescence - ischium, ilium and pubis.

The pelvic bone in an adult consists of three fused bones - the ilium, ischium, pubis or pubis.

Also, the pelvis is directly involved in the movement of the body in space. It is its unique structure that determines the upright posture of a person, it holds the axis of balance and ensures the correct distribution of a high load. None of the animals have a similar structure. The hip joint gives people the opportunity to walk, with its disorders and diseases, this function immediately suffers. Also, this part of the skeleton serves as a support for the spine.

Protection

The importance of the pelvic girdle in terms of protection is difficult to overestimate. Human anatomy is such that in the pelvic cavity there are a number of vital organs, reliably protected by strong bones: this is the bladder, almost all reproductive organs and a number of organs of the lower abdominal cavity, related to the digestive system of the body. The protective function is of particular importance for a woman: the pelvic floor is involved in the process of bearing a fetus during pregnancy. The connection with the sacrum occurs with the help of articular surfaces located on the ilium and on the sacrum itself. And although this type of connection is referred to as joints, the movements in it are very limited, since these two bone structures are securely fastened by a powerfully developed ligamentous apparatus. This structure helps women during pregnancy to maintain the uterus in a certain position.

The pelvic girdle bears the weight of the entire upper body, and the lower limbs rest against it. This part of the body experiences a lot of pressure from both sides - from below and from above, it promotes the movements of the lower limbs and protects important internal organs. The most important function of the pelvis is locomotor, contributing to the movement of the body in space.

The difference between the human pelvis and the pelvis of other mammals is related to
with an upright body position. Only in humans transverse dimensions
the pelvis is more straight (anterior-posterior). Even the pelvis of great apes
already more elongated. In the human fetus, the pelvis has the same shape,
as the pelvis of four-legged mammals. Pelvic transformations begin
under the action of mechanical loads: gravity of the body, pressure in the hip
joint during movements, etc. Active formation of sex differences
in the structure of the pelvis occurs during puberty under the influence of
hormones. It is characteristic that with reduced ovarian function (female
gonads) slows down the formation of female
features - the pelvis remains relatively narrow.

Pelvic bones

The pelvic girdle, or pelvis, is a strong bone ring that is located in the lower part of the skeleton of the human torso. It is formed from almost immovably connected bones: unpaired - sacrum and two massive, flat - right and left pelvic bones. A sacrum is wedged between the pelvic bones, to which is attached a small bone - the coccyx - a rudimentary remnant of the tail skeleton.

In children under 16, each pelvic bone consists of 3 separate bones: the ilium, ischium and pubis, interconnected by layers of cartilage. After 16 years they grow together. In this place there is a deep fossa - the acetabulum. It includes the head of the femur, forming the hip joint.

The structure of the ischium
The ischial bone has a powerful ischial tuberosity on which the human body rests when sitting. If a person is standing, the ischial tuberosity is hidden by a thick layer of gluteal muscles and fatty tissue.

The structure of the pubic bone
The pubic bone has 2 branches connected to each other at an angle. These branches, together with the branch of the ischium, limit a large obturator opening on the pelvic bone, covered with a dense membrane. The pubic bones on the right and left are interconnected by means of cartilage - thus, a pubic symphysis (half-joint), one of the joints of the pelvic girdle, is formed. The elevation of the skin above the site of the symphysis is called the pubis.

The value of the pubic symphysis is especially great for the female body. By the time of childbirth, the cartilaginous layer between the pubic bones softens, and the gap inside it allows the bones to move apart and thereby somewhat expand the birth canal.

The structure of the ilium
The ilium consists of a body and a thin wing, which expands upward and ends in a long crest. The crest serves as an attachment site for the broad abdominal muscles. The deepening of the inner surface of the wing forms the iliac fossa. It is in this hole on the right that the cecum with the appendix (appendix) is located.

Behind the ilium there is an articular surface, shaped like an auricle. It connects tightly with exactly the same surface on the sacrum, forming a flat sacroiliac joint. This joint is strengthened on all sides by bundles of ligaments, which, by their strength, are considered the most powerful in the human body.

Angle of the pelvic bones
The pelvic bones are the site of attachment for the muscles of the abdomen, back, and lower extremities. In the vertical position of a person, the pelvis is tilted forward at an angle of 45-60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. The value of the angle depends on the posture, in women it is greater than in men.

Large and small pelvis

There are large and small pelvis. The boundary line separating them runs along the inner surface of the pelvic bones from the protrusion on the spine - the cape (the junction of the last lumbar vertebra with the sacrum) to the upper edge of the pubic symphysis.

Large pelvis
The large pelvis is the upper part of the pelvis, formed by the deployed wings of the ilium. It is the lower wall of the abdominal cavity and serves as a support for the internal organs.

Small pelvis
The small pelvis is located below the large one and is bounded behind by the sacrum and coccyx, in front and from the sides by the ischial and pubic bones. It distinguishes between the entrance, exit and cavity. The pelvic cavity contains the bladder, rectum and internal genital organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina, prostate, seminal vesicles and vas deferens). The entrance to the small pelvis is open to the abdominal cavity and corresponds to the boundary line with the large pelvis. The exit from the pelvic cavity is closed by the muscles that form the pelvic diaphragm, the urethra and rectum pass through it in men, the urethra, rectum and vagina in women. Outside, this area of the body stands out as the perineum.

The pelvic organs differ from the abdominal organs in that they can
significantly change its volume: periodically filled
and empty the bladder and rectum, increase
and the uterus moves during pregnancy. It affects
on the work of other organs and blood supply.

Pelvis female and male

In no part of the skeleton are sex differences as pronounced as in the pelvis. Sexual differences in the pelvis begin to appear in children at the age of 8-10 years. The average size of the male pelvis is about 2 cm smaller than the average size of the female pelvis. The female pelvis is wider and shorter than the male, the wings of the ilium are deployed more strongly. The angle between the lower branches of the pubic bones is rounded in the form of a pubic arch, the cape almost does not protrude into the pelvic cavity, and due to the wide, short and flat sacrum, the pelvic cavity has the shape of a cylinder.

The structure of the pelvis in men
In men, the pelvis is already higher: the wings of the ilium are almost vertical, the sacrum is strongly concave, and the promontory clearly protrudes into the cavity of the small pelvis, the subpubic angle is sharp. As a result, both the entrance and exit from the male pelvis are greatly narrowed, and its cavity itself has a conical shape.

The structure of the pelvis in women
The fetus moves through the small pelvis in women during childbirth, so its shape and size are of great importance for a normal birth act. The dimensions of the small pelvis are determined by indirect measurements of the large pelvis with obstetric compasses. The internal dimensions are determined during a vaginal examination and with the help of ultrasound.

For example, the distance between protruding tubercles on the iliac crest (the so-called superior anterior iliac spines) in women is normally 25-27 cm, and the distance between the most distant points of the crest on the right and left is 28-30 cm. The dimensions of the entrance and exit from the small pelvis, which in both direct and transverse dimensions are about 11-13 cm in women. The direct size of the exit from the small pelvis (the distance between the lower edge of the pubic symphysis and the top of the coccyx), equal to 10 cm, increases by 1.5-2 cm due to the deviation of the tip of the coccyx posteriorly.

With violations in the development of the girl, due to rickets, spondylitis, coxitis and other diseases and poor nutrition, neglect of physical education or too much physical activity, deviations in the normal development of the pelvis are possible - a narrow pelvis. With a small degree of narrowing, childbirth is possible, but they are long and difficult. With a greater narrowing, there are obstacles to the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

The pelvic bone is a reliable support for the entire human skeleton, as well as a strong structure for protecting the organs that are located in the lower abdomen. The anatomy of the pelvic bones is of particular interest due to their structure and the time required for the final formation of structures.

Anatomy of the pelvic bone

Each pelvic bone is divided into three of the following:

The ilium is a dehiscent bone that forms the upper pelvic lobe of the bone. You can feel (touch) it by simply placing your hands on your hips.
The ischium is a part of the hip bone, which is located behind the bottom, in appearance resembling an arc.
Pubic - the anterior lobe of the base of the pelvic bones.

When joined, these bones create the acetabulum, the main depression in which the head of the femur resides.

In childhood (up to 16-18 years old), these bones are combined with each other by cartilage, at an older age (after 18 years old), this tissue hardens and gradually turns into a solid bone, which is called the pelvic bone. The photo shows the body of the ischium.

Interesting! At the base of the ischium are tubercles - rough, thickened bones. They are popularly called sitting bones, because in the sitting position, the human weight is distributed on the pelvic bones.

Normal anatomy of the pelvis

The pubic junction in front and the sacroiliac joints, which are formed from the ear-shaped plane of the back of the bone and the base of the sacrum, are the normal anatomy of the pelvic bone. On the video you can get acquainted in detail with the structure of the human pelvis.

Anatomically, the pelvis is divided into two sections:

Large - the most extensive part of the bone (located at the top of the pelvis).
The small pelvis is its narrow part (located at the bottom of the pelvis).

Both pelvises are conditionally divided by the so-called boundary line, which runs along the top of the sacrum, then to the arcuate contour of the ilium, it also captures the outer part of the pubic bone and the symphysis of the same name.

On both sides, numerous muscles of the abdominal cavity, back and spine are attached to these bones. Some leg muscles start from them. Thus, a muscular frame is obtained.

The structure of the small and large pelvis

The pelvis is a constituent part of the lower region of the human skeleton. In addition to the coccyx and sacrum, it is formed by two pelvic bones. In addition to the bones, the joints of the pelvis and ligaments act as a support for the entire body.

The large pelvis is open in the anterior part, the plane of the ilium is located on both sides of it, and the lumbar vertebrae and the site of the formation of the sacrum are located behind it.

The small pelvis is a cylindrical space, on the sides of which the lower parts of the ilium and ischium are located. The pubic bones form the anterior walls of the small pelvis, while the posterior ones are made up of the bones of the sacrum and coccyx.

Converting large to small creates a top pass. And the lower passage - from the pubic bones, coccyx and ischial tubercles.

Pelvic joints and ligaments

The hip joint has a complex structure and performs an extremely important function in human life. Thanks to this connection, a person can perform the following actions:

walk;
stand;
sit;
run;
jump;
tilt.

The joint consists of the head of the femur and the acetabulum. Those parts of the recess that are in close contact with the femoral head are densely covered with cartilage. In the middle part of the acetabulum there is a fossa, which is filled with connective tissue below and is entwined with a synovial membrane. It is in this hole that the ligament of the femoral head is attached.

Experts distinguish the following types of ligaments:

Iliac-femoral ligament. The most stable and dense ligament in the human body, its fullness reaches 1 cm.
Pubic-sciatic - the femoral ligament is much less developed than the previous one. Since this ligament originates from the ischium, which forms the acetabulum, it is located behind the joint.
The circular ligament is a collection of collagen strands that fill the joint capsule. These strands cover the neck of the thigh.

Nature has shaped the joints in this way to keep them from being damaged by movement. Therefore, I placed the ligaments in the metaphysis of the joints, which allow you to turn the legs to the right or left.

Each bundle is responsible for a specific function:

Thanks to the iliofemoral ligament, a person has the ability to stand upright and not fall back.
The pubisciofemoral ligament promotes rotation and abduction along the sides of the lower extremities.
Thanks to the circular ligaments, the neck of the thighs is fixed.

Bundles of ligaments of the hip joint are designed to reduce the displacement of this joint.

Features of the structure of the pelvis in children

The structure of the pelvic bone continues during the period of growth of the child. Moreover, this structure proceeds unevenly, as if at intervals, from the stage of rapid to the stage of slow growth.

At the time of birth, almost all the bones of a newborn are made up of cartilage. Ossified tissues are expressed only in small areas of the hip bones, which are located at a distance from one another. That is why the pelvic bones of a person in childhood are most similar to a funnel-shaped depression.

Interesting! According to the sexual type, bones will begin to form only during puberty.

On average, the pelvic bone in boys up to 3 years old develops much more rapidly than in girls, but by about 6 years old girls are catching up with boys in development, and by about 10 years old, the pelvic bones in girls significantly exceed their development rates in boys.

Somewhere from the age of 13-14, small sex differences in bones begin to appear, and by the age of 18 these differences are clearly visible. The structure of the pelvic bones in men is completed closer to 23 years, in women - 25 years.

Features of the pelvic bones in women and men and their differences

In both men and women, all bones are almost the same, with the exception of the pelvic bones. They are unique in their kind, have quite a few distinctive sexual characteristics, especially in the small pelvis.

Interesting! In men, the pelvic bones are narrower and taller, while women are wider and slightly lower. Men are thicker, women are thinner.

According to their structure, the female pelvic bones have the following differences:

They are wider and denser, the bulge is less pronounced.
The bones of the pubis are articulated in the form of a right angle (90-100 degrees).
The gluteal tubercles and the iliac planes of the bones are located far from each other. This distance reaches from 25 to 27 cm.
The lumen of the lower pelvis is wider and somewhat resembles an oval in appearance, the size of the pelvis is also somewhat larger, and the inclined plane of the pelvis is 55-60°C.

Also, the small pelvis performs the most important function of the birth canal in the female body.

According to their structure, the male pelvic bones have the following differences:

The pelvis is more pronounced with a cape, an acute subpubic angle, it is 72-75°C.
The iliac planes and ischial tubercles are placed closer to each other.
The distance between the upper iliac spines is close to 22 - 23 cm,
The lumen of the lower part of the pelvis is narrower and looks like a long oval, the value is smaller, and the angle of inclination is 50-55°C.

Thus, we can safely say that the anatomy of the pelvis, when compared by gender, is very different in men and women, but everything comes down to one thing - size. The female pelvis is larger. It has to do with having children. It is a wide pelvis that is needed for the normal course of labor, because during birth, the child passes through a hole (aperture) in its lower region.

pathological anatomy

There are quite a few bone anomalies and they depend on a variety of factors, ranging from intrauterine underdevelopment of bones (most often found in premature babies) and ending with injuries (dislocations, fractures), which subsequently led to the pathology of the pelvic bones.

The most common anomalies are considered to be a wide pelvis, narrow or deformed.

Wide. Today, a clinically and anatomically wide pelvis is distinguished. This pathology is most likely in tall, overweight people.
Narrow. As well as wide, they are divided into clinically and anatomically narrow. The causes of a narrow pelvis may be a violation of development inside the womb, insufficiently rational nutrition, some serious diseases, for example, rickets.
Deformity (displacement of bones). In 99% of cases, displacement occurs in the baby's body at birth (if the child's mother has deformed pelvic bones, then the child, passing through the birth canal, is bent, the bones of not only the pelvis, but the entire skeleton are displaced). This pathology is transmitted from mother to child. And only in 1% of patients, pelvic deformity occurred as a result of an injury.
Aplasia or hypoplasia - this disease, inherited, is quite rare, characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of one of the pelvic bones.
Deep acetabulum - the head of the femur is placed more deeply. Pathology can be both unilateral and bilateral (most common).
Divergence of the pubic symphysis - most often observed in patients with disorders of the central nervous system, exstrophy of the bladder or spinal column.

A clearer idea of the degree of anomaly is given by the X-ray data.

Rare anomalies

Sometimes the following types of deformations occur:

Funnel-shaped - is determined by a decrease in the size of the pelvis from the entrance to the exit.
Hypoplastic. On both sides, the pelvic bones are evenly narrowed.
Infantile. Uniformly anatomically narrowed pelvis, characteristic of childhood.
Dwarf. The most complex type of infantile pelvis.
Oblique. There is an uneven narrowing of the pelvic bones on both sides, often provoked by a curvature of the spine.
Lordous. The anatomically small size of the entrance to the pelvis, predetermined by the lordosis in the lumbar region near the sacrum.
Evenly narrowed. Same pelvis on both sides.
Scoliotic. The oblique pelvis is caused by scoliosis in the lumbar region.
Spondylolisthesis. The pelvis, due to slippage from the sacrum of the fifth lumbar vertebra.
Flat. So, most often, consider the pelvis, reduced in all respects.

The joint itself has a very complex structure, and it is characterized by changes throughout life.

The hip bone is considered one of the largest bones in the human body. The femur is a tubular bone, cylindrical in shape, slightly curved in front and expanded at the bottom. On the back of the bone is a rough surface to which the muscles are attached. The hip joint is formed by the articular cavity and the head of the femur.

The head of the femur is determined in the nearest appendage, which has an articular plane, and it is thanks to him that it is attached to the acetabulum. And it, in turn, is attached to a markedly pronounced neck, which is placed at an angle of approximately 120-130 ° C to the axis of the hip bone. Thus, in humans, the pelvic bones support the entire body in motion and ensure normal life.

The anatomy of the hip joint, when carefully considered, is a rather complex structure. Moreover, the structure of the hip joint and pelvic bone can change greatly with age. For example, in infants, the structure of the hip joint changes as they mature and grow. Initially, the articulation of the pelvis and pelvic bone can be called immature, because. the ligamentous apparatus of the hip joint, which is part of it, is excessively flexible and elastic. In addition, researchers have found that in infants, the hollow of the hip joint is denser. This underdevelopment then disappears in a person. The articular area is located laterally in relation to the gluteal region, below the crest of the ischium.

The main function performed by the articulation of bones is to support the weight of the body when static and dynamic loads are applied to it. In addition to this function, the joint takes an active part in maintaining the balance of loads exerted on the body while maintaining balance in the body.

The structure of the pelvic apparatus

The anatomy of the human pelvis is quite complex. The pelvis includes two innominate bones. Conventionally, they are called right-handed and left-handed (located to the right and left relative to the axis).

The pelvis is classified according to size and shape. If there is a diagram of the structure of the hip joint and pelvis at different ages, then one can perfectly see on what principles the classification of the articular joint is carried out. Until the age of 15, the hip apparatus has three bones: the pubis, ischium and ilium. This underdevelopment in a person disappears over the years. These bone structures are conditionally called the innominate pelvic bone.

Bones and ligaments of the joint

The head of each hip bone of the pelvis is connected to adjacent bones by the human hip joint. The diagram shows that in the region of the acetabulum, three bones are articulated with the help of cartilage. The acetabulum is the junction of the femur and pelvic bones. When growing up, all three bones of the hip apparatus are connected. The head of the pelvic bone is carefully covered with elastic smooth connective tissue of the hip joint.

The narrowing of the joint space may indicate significant changes in the structure and shape of the cartilage. With arthrosis, a slight narrowing of the joint space will be visible on the x-ray. This is the first sign, because At this stage, limited movement is not yet observed.

As the diagram of the structure shows, the bone closest to the spine is the ilium. Its head is connected to the sacrum and to the other two bones of the hip apparatus. The bone itself has a rounded shape with two processes-protrusions.

The structure of the ischium in the design of the hip apparatus is as follows: the main body is connected from above with the ilium and separate processes. In addition, the ischium is connected to the pubic bone (its process, the horizontal lobe). Within this cavity, which is formed by these three bones, is the head of the femur.

The pubic bone of the hip apparatus consists of the main body and two processes-branches. The branches form a cavity, which is covered by a membrane.

Pelvic arteries

The artery of the hip apparatus is called the common iliac. It branches into two vessels. It does this by dividing the aorta. So, where the articulation of the sacrum and the hip apparatus is located, the branches of the artery give two more paired vessels that braid it.

Blood vessels supplying the pelvic joint

The external artery is the main vessel, it provides blood to the lower extremities. In the region of the hip joint, other branches of the vessels depart from it, which pass further into the joints, muscles of the legs, abdomen and to the genitals. Then the vessel passes into the femoral artery, from which the following branches pass:

The deep femoral artery is the largest artery and is divided into the lateral and medial arteries. They go around the thigh and conduct blood into the pelvis, thighs.
Epigastric superficial artery, which goes around the abdominal muscles in this place.
Artery near the ilium.
The genital arteries, which are external and supply the genitals with blood.
Inguinal arteries, which are responsible for the groin, skin and lymph nodes in the area.

The second (internal) artery is located in the small pelvis. The lumbar arteries, sacral, gluteal, umbilical, vas deferens, genital arteries and arteries of the rectum depart from it.

pelvic articulation

The pelvic joint has a very complex structure. The articulation is formed by the head of the femur and the socket formed by the pelvic bones (the acetabulum). The surface of the hip joint in the acetabulum is covered with a layer of cartilage tissue only in a certain area of the hip joint. At the point of articulation, the femur is covered with a thin layer of cartilage. The joint of the hip apparatus connects the bones included in its composition into a single structure. Loose connective tissue is located inside the cavity. It is covered with a synovial bag. At the edges of the cavity are lips 5 mm in size. They are formed from collagen connective fibers. Due to this, there are no voids between the bones, and the head of the femur fits snugly. The hip joint is the largest articulation of bones in the human musculoskeletal system. The hip bone, which is part of the joint of the same name, is the largest bone in the body.

Hip injuries have always been difficult to treat, so it's best to know the basics and try not to injure yourself. The pelvic joints are quite fragile due to the specific structure and loads that are placed on the joint during life.

The hip joint capsule is characterized by a high level of strength in its design. The capsule is attached to the pelvic bone behind and in front of the lips of the hip joint. As a result of this design, it turns out that the neck is almost completely located in the capsule of the hip joint. The iliopsoas muscle joins the capsule. The capsule in this place becomes thinner, therefore, additional synovial fibers of the hip joint are most often formed.

This cavity contains the ligament of the femoral head. It consists of loose fibers, and on top is covered with synovial fibers of the connective tissue of the hip joint. In this ligament there are also vessels that lead to the femur. The ligament can stretch quite easily, so its mechanical and protective value is not very high for the hip joint. The main function of this ligament is to connect the bones that make up the hip apparatus.

The iliac femoral ligament is considered the strongest not only among the ligaments that make up the hip joint, but throughout the body as a whole. Its thickness can reach one centimeter. The ligament does not allow the hip to fully rotate inward or extend.

The ischial femoral ligament can be considered less developed. It is much weaker, this ligament is located behind the hip joint. The anatomical location of this ligament is due to the fact that it provides stability to the body's hip apparatus when the femur is displaced inward.

The pubic femoral ligament is located at the bottom of the hip apparatus. This is a very thin bundle of connective fibers that does not allow hip abduction.

Injuries to the hip apparatus mainly occur due to fractures and fractures of the bone in this area or due to problems with the ligaments or in general the entire hip joint. Cartilage wear and tear leads to many complications in movement.

Surgical intervention

Pelvic osteotomy is a surgical procedure for the treatment of hip dysplasia. This pathological change can be from birth and consists in the fact that the acetabulum of the hip joint is modified.

This can lead to the development of pelvic disease, frequent subluxations, problems with the femur and impaired gait. Osteotomy is aimed at creating an additional bone structure of the hip joint, which will help to fix the femur more strongly. Then there will be no collateral damage.

If something hurts after surgery, then you need to re-examine. Osteotomy can only be performed after reaching the age of 10 years. But if there is a development of arthritis, then an operation such as osteotomy is prohibited.

Causes of pain

If the pelvis hurts, then you need to see a doctor, because. Violations can be of various kinds. Modern doctors list a large list of possible causes of pain in the hip joint and pelvic bones. Most often, pain is caused by injuries and systematic diseases of the hip apparatus.

Pain due to injury is the most common cause of hip and pelvic pain. If the pain has not subsided within a week after a blow or a fall, then you need to call a doctor. In this process, a neurologist and a chiropractor will help, who will prescribe a course of treatment. With falls and unsuccessful movements, a fracture of the bones of the hip apparatus, cracks, and dislocations of the joint may occur. With sharp and severe pain, it is necessary to protect the pelvis and lower limbs from movement, apply cold, drink an anesthetic until a full diagnosis of the problem of the hip joint is established.

In systemic diseases, inflammation of the connective fibers occurs. This means that an infection has begun to develop in the body or it may be a symptom of another disease. Such pain can cause osteoarthritis, infectious arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition, pain can be caused by disorders in the blood vessels of the pelvic structure. Also, pain can be caused by neoplasms in the joint.

Better not to self-medicate. By the nature of the pain, it is difficult to make a diagnosis and prognosis, and some drugs, on the contrary, can only hurt. The pelvic complex is very complex, so you need to see a doctor.

In case of damage to the anatomical elements of the hip joint, an early appeal to a medical specialist is required in order to carry out rehabilitation measures, since chronic injuries of this bone joint can cause a huge amount of trouble in the process of human life.