GLOSSARY

The pelvis is a ring-like, basin-shaped structure formed by the two hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx; it is the base of the trunk and the attachment of the lower limbs.
The word comes from the Latin pelvis, meaning “basin”.

Divisions

• Greater (false) pelvis: the broad upper part supporting the lower abdominal organs.
• Lesser (true) pelvis: the lower part containing the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs; the boundary between the two is the pelvic brim.

Sex Differences

The female pelvis is wider and shallower