What is the Difference Between Pelvis and Pelvic Girdle?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The pelvic girdle and pelvis are related anatomical structures in the lower part of the trunk, but they have distinct differences:
- Pelvic Girdle: The pelvic girdle, also known as the hip girdle, is a ring-like bony structure that connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs. It is formed by two hip bones (innominate or pelvic bones), which serve as the attachment point for each lower limb. The primary function of the pelvic girdle is to support the upper body and transfer body weight to the lower limbs.
- Pelvis: The pelvis is a larger structure that includes the two hip bones (os coxae), the sacrum, and the coccyx. It supports the upper body, transfers body weight to the legs, and provides attachment for various muscles and ligaments used in locomotion. The pelvis also contains and protects the abdominopelvic and pelvic viscera.
The pelvis can be divided into two regions:
- Greater Pelvis (False Pelvis): Located superiorly, it provides support for the lower abdominal viscera (such as the ileum and sigmoid colon) and has little obstetric relevance.
- Lesser Pelvis (True Pelvis): Located inferiorly, it contains the pelvic cavity and pelvic viscera, and is involved in the process of childbirth.
Comparison of Female and Male Pelvis:
- The female pelvis is generally wider and more shallow than the male pelvis, with a larger subpubic angle and greater distance between the anterior superior iliac spines. This allows for easier childbirth.
- The male pelvis has thicker and heavier bones, adapted for support of the male's heavier physical build and stronger muscles.
In summary, the pelvic girdle is a ring-like bony structure that connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs, while the pelvis is a larger structure that includes the pelvic girdle and provides support for the upper body and contains the pelvic viscera. The pelvic girdle is composed of the two hip bones, while the pelvis also includes the sacrum and coccyx.
Comparative Table: Pelvis vs Pelvic Girdle
The pelvis and pelvic girdle are related structures in the human skeleton, but they have distinct functions and compositions. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:
| Feature | Pelvis | Pelvic Girdle |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The pelvis is a combination of several bones, including two hip bones (os coxae), the sacrum, and the coccyx. It joins the lower limbs to the axial skeleton and supports the visceral organs in the pelvic cavity. | The pelvic girdle, also known as the hip girdle, is formed by a single hip bone (coxal bone) that serves as the attachment point for each lower limb. |
| Bones | Comprised of two hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx. | Comprised of a single hip bone. |
| Function | Supports the upper body and transfers body weight to the lower limbs. | Attaches the lower limbs to the sacrum of the axial skeleton. |
| Regions | The pelvis has two regions: the greater pelvis (above the pelvic brim) and the lesser pelvis (below the pelvic brim). | The pelvic girdle has three regions: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. |
| Sexual Dimorphism | The female pelvis is generally wider than the male pelvis, as it is adapted for childbirth. | The male pelvis tends to have thicker and heavier bones, adapted for support of the male's heavier physical build and stronger muscles. |
In summary, the pelvis is a combination of multiple bones that join the lower limbs to the axial skeleton, while the pelvic girdle is formed by a single hip bone that attaches the lower limbs to the sacrum.
- Pelvis vs Hip
- Male vs Female Pelvis
- Vertebra vs Vertebrae
- Cervix vs Uterus
- Sacrum vs Coccyx
- Male vs Female Sacrum
- Hip vs Waist
- Endometriosis vs Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Glenoid Cavity vs Acetabulum
- Male vs Female Femur
- Male vs Female Bones
- Synchondrosis vs Symphysis
- Gynecologist vs Obstetrician
- Cervical Thoracic vs Lumbar Vertebrae
- Abdomen vs Abdominal Cavity
- Femur vs Humerus
- Osteoporosis vs Scoliosis
- Ovary vs Uterus
- Cervical vs Thoracic Vertebrae