WordGarden.iopelvis
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɛlvɪs/
US
- /ˈpɛlvəs/
Meanings
Noun
the basin-shaped bony structure at the base of the spine that connects the trunk to the legs
Beyond the definition
Imagine the foundation of your body at the bottom of your torso. That's where this bowl-shaped bony structure sits, linking your spine to your legs. It helps support your upper body, protects organs like the bladder and parts of the intestines, and plays a big part in standing, walking, and movement. You might hear about a "broken pelvis" after a serious accident, or doctors talking about the pelvic floor during pregnancy. It's a very important part of the human body.
The pelvis is the strong bony structure at the base of the spine that connects the upper body to the legs. It is made up of the two hip bones, together with the sacrum and the coccyx, or tailbone. Each hip bone forms from the ilium, ischium, and pubis as the body matures. Together, these bones create a stable, basin-like frame that supports body weight and gives many muscles a place to attach for movement, posture, and balance.
The pelvis is not just about bones, though. It also surrounds and protects important organs such as the bladder, rectum, and parts of the reproductive system. In women, it is usually wider and shallower, which helps with childbirth.
You will often see the word in medical and anatomy contexts. Doctors may talk about a fractured pelvis, pelvic floor muscles, pregnancy, childbirth, or physical therapy. It also appears in biology classes, anatomy books, and discussions of how the human body stands, walks, and carries weight. Whether you are learning about the body or trying to understand an injury, the pelvis is a key part of how the body works.
Examples
- 1
Medical exam
The doctor checked his pelvis after the fall.
- 2
Injury
She fractured her pelvis in a car accident.
- 3
Pain source
Pain in the pelvis can sometimes come from the lower back.
- 4
Exercise form
Try to keep your pelvis level when you do this exercise.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Childbirth
During childbirth, the baby moves down through the pelvis.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pelvisnoun
Forms
- pelvisespluralnoun
- pelvespluralnoun