236 



OSTEOLOGY. 



The pelvis minor is bounded in front by the symphysis pubis in the median 

 plane, and by the body and rami of the os pubis on each side, laterally by the smooth 

 medial surfaces of the ischia and ischial rami, together with a small part of the 

 ilium below the iliac portion of the ilio-pectineal line. Springing from the posterior 

 margin of the ischium are the inturned ischial spines. Behind, the broad curved 



FIG. 234. THE MALE PELVIS SEEN FROM THE FRONT. 



anterior surface of the sacrum, and below it, the small and irregular coccyx, form 

 its posterior wall. Between the sides of the sacrum behind, and the ischium and 

 ilium in front and above, there is a wide interval, called the greater sciatic notch, 

 which is, however, bridged across in the recent condition by the sacro-tuberous and 

 sacro-spinous ligaments, which thus convert it into two foramina the larger above 



FIG. 235. THE FEMALE PELVIS SEEN FROM THE FRONT. 



the spine of the ischium, the greater sciatic foramen ; the lower and smaller below 

 the spine, called the lesser sciatic foramen. 



Apertura Pelvis Superior. The upper opening of the pelvis minor is bounded in 

 front by the symphysis pubis, with the crest of the pubis on each side ; laterally 

 by the ilio-pectineal lines ; and behind by the sacral promontory. The circum- 

 ference of this aperture is often called the brim of the pelvis ; in the male it is 



