Pelvis

The Pelvic Girdle is composed to two coxal (hip) bones. The coxal bones are also called the ossa coxae or innominate bones. During childhood, each coxal bone consists of three separate parts: the ilium(denoted in purple), the ischium (denoted in blue), and the pubis (denoted in red). In an adult, these three bones are firmly fused into a single bone. In the picture below, the coxal bone on the left side has been divided into its component pieces (marked with color).

In the back, these two bones meet on either side of the sacrum. In the front, they are connected by a muscle called the pubic symphysis (denoted in green).			The pelvic girdle serves several important functions in the body. It supports the weight of the body from the vertebral column. It also protects and supports the lower organs, including the urinary bladder, the reproductive organs, and the developing fetus in a pregnant woman.
The pelvic girdle differs between men and woman. In a man, the pelvis has inceased density and the iliac crests are closer together. In a woman, the pelvis is more fragile and the iliac crests are more distant than the males. These differences reflect the woman's role in pregnancy and delivery of children. When a child is born, it must pass through its mother's pelvis. If the opening is too small, a cesarean section may be necessary.

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