bäckenskelettet

The Bäckenskelett, or pelvic girdle, is a complex bony structure in vertebrates that forms a ring connecting the spine to the legs. It is composed of two hip bones, known as the ossa coxae, which are themselves fused from three distinct bones: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. These hip bones articulate with the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine, forming the sacroiliac joints. The two hip bones then meet at the front to form the pubic symphysis, a cartilaginous joint.

The primary functions of the Bäckenskelett are to support the weight of the upper body and transmit forces from the axial skeleton to the lower limbs. It also serves as an attachment point for numerous muscles of the trunk and legs, essential for locomotion and posture. In females, the Bäckenskelett is typically wider and shallower than in males, an adaptation for childbirth. The shape and structure of the pelvic girdle can vary significantly between species, reflecting their specific modes of locomotion and environmental adaptations. For example, in bipedal animals like humans, the pelvis is broad and bowl-shaped, while in quadrupeds, it is narrower and more elongated.