pelvis

pel·vis   (pěl'vĭs)    (click for larger image in new window) n.   pl. pel·vis·es or pel·ves (-vēz) A basin-shaped structure of the vertebrate skeleton, composed of the innominate bones on the sides, the pubis in front, and the sacrum and coccyx behind, that rests on the lower limbs and supports the spinal column. The cavity formed by this structure. The hollow funnel in the outlet of the kidney, into which urine is discharged before entering the ureter. Also called renal pelvis. [Latin pēlvis, basin.]

pelvis

The bowl-shaped group of bones connecting the trunk of the body to the legs and supporting the spine. The pelvis includes the hip bones and the lower part of the backbone.

pelvis 

Main Entry: pel·vis
Pronunciation: 'pel-v&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural pel·vis·es /-v&-s&z/ or pel·ves /-"vEz/
1 : a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle together with the sacrumand often various coccygeal and caudal vertebrae and that in humans is composed of the two hipbones bounding it on each side and in front while the sacrum and coccyx complete it behind
2 : PELVIC CAVITY
3 : RENALPELVIS

pelvis pel·vis (pěl'vĭs)
n. pl. pel·vis·es or pel·ves (-vēz)

1. A basin-shaped structure of the vertebrate skeleton, composed of the innominate bones on the sides, the pubis in front, and the sacrum and coccyx behind, that rests on the lower limbs and supports the spinal column.

2. The cavity formed by this structure.

3. A basinlike or cup-shaped anatomical cavity.

pelvis   (pěl'vĭs)  Pronunciation Key  Plural pelvises or pelves (pěl'vēz) The basin-shaped structure in vertebrate animals that joins the spine and lower or hind limbs. In primates, the pelvis is composed of the two hipbones joined to the sacrum. It contains, protects, and supports the intestines, bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

pelvis

in human anatomy, basin-shaped complex of bones that connects the trunk and legs, supports and balances the trunk, and contains and supports the intestines, urinary bladder, and internal sex organs. The pelvic girdle consists of paired hipbones, connected in front at the pubic symphysis and behind by the sacrum; each is made up of three bones-the blade-shaped ilium, above and to either side, which accounts for the width of the hips; the ischium, behind and below, on which the weight falls in sitting; and the pubis, in front. All three unite in early adulthood at a triangular suture in the acetabulum, the cup-shaped socket that forms the hip joint with the head of the femur (thighbone). The ring made by the pelvic girdle functions as the birth canal in females. The pelvis provides attachment for muscles that balance and support the trunk and move the legs, hips, and trunk. In the infant the pelvis is narrow and nonsupportive. As the child begins walking, the pelvis broadens and tilts, the sacrum descends deeper into its articulation with the ilia, and the lumbar curve develops.

Learn more about pelvis with a free trial on Britannica.com.