1. Skeletal system: Lower Appendages
Learning Target #8

2. Pelvic Girdle Functions: Bears the weight of the upper body
Protection of the reproductive organs, urinary bladder, and part of the large intestine

3. Bones of the Pelvic Girdle
Each hip (coxal) bone is made of 3 bones fused together:
Ilium:
Connects to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint.
Upper edge of the bone is called the iliac crest, which is a common site of bone marrow extractions
Sacroiliac joint
Iliac crest
Ilium
Ilium

4. Bones of the Pelvic Girdle
Ischium:
Known as the “sit down” bone because the ischial tuberosity receives the body weight when a person is seated.
The ischial spine is important in pregnant women because it narrows the outlet of the pelvis through which the baby passes during the birthing process.
Ischial spine
Ischium

5. Bones of the Pelvic Girdle
Pubis
Most anterior part of the coxal bone
Fuses with the ischium posteriorly to form the obturator foramen, which allow blood vessels and nerves to travel to the legs.
The pubic bones of each hip fuse together at a joint called the pubic symphysis.
Obturator foramen
Pubic symphysis
Pubis

6. Bones of the Pelvic Girdle
The ilium, ischium, and pubis fuse at the acetabulum – the ball-and-socket joint that receives the head of the femur.
Acetabulum

7. Male vs. Female Pelvis Oval-shaped Bones are heavier and more dense
Longer, more curved sacrum
Circular-shaped
Bones are lighter and thinner
Shorter, less curved sacrum
Ischial spines are shorter and further apart, making the inlet larger

8. Male vs. Female Pelvis
Male Pelvis
Female Pelvis

9. Bones of the Leg
Head of the femur
Femur: (thigh bone) strongest, heaviest bone in the body.
Greater and lesser trochanters – site of muscle attachment (quads, hamstring, gluteal, hip, etc.)
Head of the femur – fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis
Patellar surface – surface that forms a joint with the patella (kneecap)
Greater trochanter
Lesser trochanter
Patellar surface

10. Femur and Acetabulum

11. Bones of the Leg
Tibia: (shinbone) larger and more medial than the fibula.
Tibial tuberosity – roughened area on the anterior surface where the patellar ligaments attach.
Medial malleolus – forms the inner “bulge” of the ankle
Fibula: (calf bone) thin and more lateral than the tibia, has NO contact with the knee joint
Lateral malleolus – forms the outer “bulge” of the ankle

12. Bones of the Leg
Tibial tuberosity
Lateral malleolus
Medial malleolus

13. Bones of the Leg
Patella: (kneecap) covers and protects the knee joint

14. Bones of the Leg Tarsals: form the posterior half of the foot
Calcaneous – heel bone
Talus – ankle bone
Navicular – forms the arch of the foot with the metatarsals
Metatarsals: bones of the sole of the foot
Each toe has three phalanges, except the big toe, which only has two
Phalanges: bones of the toes

15. Bones of the Leg Phalanges Metatarsals Navicular Tarsals Talus
Calcaneus