pelvis
Meaning of pelvis: The pelvis is the bony basin at the base of the trunk that connects the spine to the legs and shelters the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs.
Definition of pelvis
The pelvis is the bony structure at the base of the trunk, formed by the two hip bones joined at the front and connected to the sacrum and coccyx at the back, creating a basin shaped ring. It links the spine above to the legs below and bears the weight of the upper body during standing and walking.
Within the space it encloses, called the pelvic cavity, sit the bladder, rectum, and internal reproductive organs, along with supporting blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. The pelvic cavity is continuous with the abdominal cavity above it, though the pelvis itself is generally considered a distinct region rather than simply the abdomen's lower portion.
Because the pelvis both protects these organs and transmits weight between the spine and legs, a pelvic fracture can be a serious injury, and pelvic structure also differs somewhat between males and females, reflecting its role in the female pelvis in supporting childbirth.
Used in a sentence
Imaging of the pelvis was ordered after the patient reported persistent lower abdominal pain.
Good to know
The pelvis is often loosely described as the lower abdomen, though it is anatomically a distinct region bounded by its own bony structure rather than simply the abdomen's lowest portion.
Word origin
Where “pelvis” comes from
Formed from Latin pelvis, meaning basin, describing the bowl like shape of the bony structure.