The Pelvis

Abstract

The pelvis is a ring-shaped structure located between the trunk and lower extremities. The hip bone consists of three separate bones: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. These bones fuse in the acetabulum region, appearing as a single bone in adults. The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae. The coccyx consists of four fused coccygeal vertebrae. The hip bones join with the sacrum posteriorly by the sacroiliac joint. Anteriorly, they unite by the symphysis pubis and take the form of a ring. The term “pelvis” is used for the bones that make up the pelvic ring, which is composed of bony structures, and the stabilizing ligaments associated with them; the space enclosed by the bony structure located below the pelvic inlet and above the pelvic floor is called the “pelvic cavity.” The pelvic floor muscles are located at the floor of the pelvic cavity and provide active support to the pelvic viscera. The ligament tissue and fascia surrounding these muscles form the pelvic diaphragm. In this chapter, the structures of the pelvis and their functions will be explained. Along with an explanation of palpation techniques and functional exercises, it would be helpful for pelvic floor dysfunctions specialists. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.