Liz is a medical writer and illustrator with an MSc in Medical Art and a BA in Medical Illustration focusing on pre-medical sciences. She has worked with healthcare professionals and educators globally creating anatomically accurate learning materials.
The Pelvis
The human pelvis connects the trunk of the body to the legs. It is important for weight bearing, childbirth and helps to support our organs. Anatomical models of the pelvis are incredibly helpful for visualising these vital structures and can be especially useful when studying or teaching musculoskeletal anatomy.
Anatomy Charts to Support Learning
To deepen your understanding of the pelvis and surrounding structures, explore our range of anatomical charts and posters. These resources feature accurate, detailed illustrations to make learning accessible, whether you’re studying at home, teaching students, or working with patients.
Motion
The pelvis has different motions when we stand and when we walk. The pelvis can move in three planes which includes the sagittal plane (motion from a side view), frontal plane (motion from the front view) and the transverse plane (motion perpendicular to the frontal plane).
Motion of the hip includes anterior and posterior pelvic tilt which is when the pelvis rotates forwards/backwards in the sagittal plane. When one side of the pelvis sits lower than the other side of the pelvis it is known as depression or elevation of the pelvis in the frontal plane. Internal and external rotation of the pelvis occurs in the transverse plane.
Bones of the Pelvis
The pelvis is made up of the pelvic spine and the pelvic girdle. The pelvic spine consists of the sacrum and the coccyx, the lowest part of the spinal column.
The pelvic girdle is formed by three bones, the ilium, ischium and the pubis. The ilium is the upper part, the ischium is the lower back part and the pubis is the lower front part of the pelvis. These bones are fused together which are called the innominate (not named or classified) bones. There are two innominate bones on each side of the pelvis.
The pelvic cavity is the space within the pelvis. Within the pelvic cavity there is a true pelvis, which is part of the pelvis and a false pelvis, which is part of the abdominal cavity.
To study the bones in greater detail, our educational pelvic skeleton models are an excellent tool, especially for students and professionals preparing for exams or clinical practice.
Joints of the Pelvis
Joints are the interface between two bones. The pelvis is connected by three main joints: the sacroiliac joint, the pubic symphysis and the sacrococcygeal joint. The sacroiliac joint is a synovial joint which joins the sacrum to the ilium. The pubic symphysis is a cartilaginous joint which joins the two pubic bones together. The sacrococcygeal joint is a hinge joint which joins the sacrum and the coccyx.
Pelvis Anatomy Models for Study
Our comprehensive pelvis and hip anatomy models help visualise the bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles involved in pelvic structure and motion. These models are ideal for exam preparation, physiotherapy training, or clinical demonstrations.
Muscles
The pelvic floor consists of muscles which form the base of the pelvis. These muscles provide support to our internal organs. The pelvic floor consists of levator ani and coccygeus which come in pairs. Levator ani consists of puborectalis, pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus.
The muscles of the pelvic wall are the muscles which line the pelvic cavity. This includes the obturator internus and the piriformis which externally rotates and strengthens the hip.
The perineum sits below the pelvic floor muscles and contains muscles of the genitalia and the anus.
Ligaments
A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches bone to bone. The pelvis is held together by three main ligaments: the iliolumbar ligament, the sacrospinous ligament and the sacrotuberous ligament. These are the main ligaments which provide structural support to the joint.
Blood Supply
The main blood supply to the pelvis is provided by the common iliac artery which branches into the internal and external iliac arteries.
The internal and external iliac vein come together to form the common iliac which transports deoxygenated blood into the inferior vena cava.
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Nerves
The sacral plexus supplies the muscles of the pelvis which consists of the sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve and the gluteal nerves. The coccygeal plexus supplies the coccygeus muscles and the levator ani muscles.
Enhancing Learning with Visual Aids
Mastering anatomy is easier with professional-grade visual materials. Our anatomical models, posters and revision guides offer an effective way for students and professionals to grasp the complexities of the structure. Whether you're preparing for an exam, studying midwifery, or working in a healthcare environment, these tools provide an interactive way to study human anatomy.
