Anatomy of the Male and Female...

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The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. It contains the following:

• Sacrum. A spade-shaped bone that is formed by the fusion of five originally separate sacral vertebrae.

• Coccyx (also called the tail bone). Formed by the fusion of four originally separated coccygeal bones.

• Three hip bones. These include the following:

  • Ilium. The broad, flaring portion of the hip bone (the crest of the pelvis).

  • Pubis. The lower, posterior part of the hip bone.

  • Ischium. One of the bones that helps form the hip.

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