The pubic arch, also referred to as the ''ischiopubic arch'', is part of the
pelvis
The pelvis (plural pelves or pelvises) is the lower part of the trunk, between the abdomen and the thighs (sometimes also called pelvic region), together with its embedded skeleton (sometimes also called bony pelvis, or pelvic skeleton).
The ...
. It is formed by the convergence of the
inferior rami of the
and
pubis on either side, below the
pubic symphysis. The angle at which they converge is known as the
subpubic angle
The pubic arch, also referred to as the ''ischiopubic arch'', is part of the pelvis. It is formed by the convergence of the inferior rami of the ischium and pubis on either side, below the pubic symphysis. The angle at which they converge is kno ...
.
Function
The pubic arch is one of three notches (the one in front) that separate the eminences of the lower circumference of the
true pelvis.
Clinical significance
Subpubic angle
The subpubic angle (or pubic angle) is the angle in the
human body
The human body is the structure of a Human, human being. It is composed of many different types of Cell (biology), cells that together create Tissue (biology), tissues and subsequently organ systems. They ensure homeostasis and the life, viabi ...
as the apex of the pubic arch, formed by the convergence of the
inferior rami of the
and
pubis on either side. The subpubic angle is important in
forensic anthropology, in determining the sex of someone from skeletal remains. A subpubic angle of 50-82
degrees indicates a male; an angle of 90 degrees indicates a female.
[Anthony J. Bertino. Forensic Science - Fundamentals and Investigations. South-Western Cengage Learning, 2000. . Page 368] Other sources operate with 50-60 degrees for males and 70-90 degrees in females.
Women have wider hips, and thus a greater subpubic angle, in order to allow for
child birth.
File:Subpubic angle, female.png, Female subpubic angle
File:Subpubic angle, male.png , Male subpubic angle
Intrapubic angle
References
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Bones of the pelvis