The most superior point of this curved crest is at a position just behind its midpoint, and corresponds to the L4 vertebral level.The uppermost margin of the ala is known as the iliac crest, which can be felt by palpating the lower parts of the flank on either sides.

The body is located close to the upper margin of the acetabulum, and a flat plate-like ala extends upwards and laterally from the body. Each ilium consists of a body and an ala.The ilium is a large, flat bone located in the superolateral aspect of the pelvis on either sides.Picture 2: Features of the hip bone (right, posterolateral aspect) These three bones fuse at a cup-shaped concavity called the acetabulum which articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint.

Each pelvic bone (hip bone) is made by the combination three bones namely, the ilium, pubis, and ischium.

The bony pelvis is made up of two pelvic bones – the sacrum and the coccyx. It forms an irregular bony girdle connecting the lower limbs to the trunk. The pelvis is located between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the femoral heads. Picture 1 : Location of Pelvis (with a fracture) It provides attachment to some important muscles in the region, and forms a cavity which accommodates several important internal organs. It is strengthened and supported by several joints and ligaments. The pelvis is a basin shaped bony structure formed by the combination of two pelvic bones (hip bones or innominate bones) and the sacrum.

Definition of flat bone