SKELETON OF THE CROCODILE. PELVIC GIRDLE. 26*7 



is terminated by a convex epiphysis, and is united to the 

 pubis. The ventral end of the ischium forms a flattened blade, 

 meeting its fellow in a median symphysis. 



The pubis (fig. 49, 3) is much smaller than either the ilium 

 or ischium ; it forms a small patch of unossified cartilage, in- 

 terposed between the anterior parts of the ilium and ischium. 



FIG. 49. PELVIS AND SACBUM OF AN ALLIGATOR (Caiman latirostris) x 

 (Brit. Mus.) 



1. ilium. 



2. ischium. 



3. true pubis. 



4. epipubis (so-called pubis). 



5. acetabular foramen. 



6. neural spines of sacral verte- 



brae. 



7. symphysis ischii. 



8. process bearing prezygapo- 



physis. 



The epipubis (fig. 49, 4) is a large bone with a thickened 

 proximal end, which is loosely articulated to the ischium, and 

 a flattened expanded distal end, which is united with its fellow, 

 and with the last pair of abdominal ribs by a large plate of 

 cartilage. This bone is generally described as the pubis. 



