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HANDBOOK OF ANATOMY 



the pubis in front. The part above this line is called the false 

 pelvis; the part below, the true pelvis. 



The false pelvis is bounded by the expanded wings of the 

 ilium and the upper part of the sacrum, and supports the 

 abdominal contents. The true pelvis is much smaller, and is 

 bounded above by the ilio-pectineal lines and the upper margin 

 of the pubis, and its walls are formed by the lower part of the 

 sacrum, the bodies and rami of the ischium and pubis. 



Differences between Male and Female Pelvis. The upper 

 margin of the true pelvis is often called the brim, or inlet, of 



Acetabulum 



Symphysis 

 Pubis 



FIG. 12. PELVIS. 



the pelvis. This is heart-shaped in the male and oval in the 

 female owing to the shape of the upper part of the sacrum, 

 Avhich in the male is more prominent. 



The angle formed by the bodies of the two pubic bones at the 

 symphysis i.e., the pubic arch is a right angle in the female 

 and an acute angle in the male. The ischial spines are turned 

 inwards in the male and project straight from the ischium in 

 the female. 



The coccyx is turned forwards in the male and as a rule 

 firmly joined to the sacrum. In the female it is straighter and 

 has a movable joint. 



