What is Coxal Bone?
The coxal bone, also known as the hip bone, pelvic bone, os coxae, or innominate bone, is a large, flat bone that forms part of the pelvis. It's irregularly shaped, constricted in the middle, and expands both above and below. Paired coxal bones meet at the midline in the front, creating the sides and anterior wall of the pelvic cavity. They are crucial for supporting the lower body and connecting the legs to the trunk.
- Shape and Structure: The coxal bone is a complex structure. Its description includes being large, flat, irregularly shaped, constricted in the center, and expanded above and below. (imaios.com, Wikipedia, BYJU'S NEET, Kenhub)
- Pelvic Girdle Component: The coxal bone forms the pelvic girdle, connecting the thighs to the trunk. (Biology LibreTexts, Lumen Learning)
- Bone Fusion: It's actually formed by the fusion of three separate bones during development: the ilium, ischium, and pubis. (Kenhub)
- Clinical Significance: Studies examine various aspects of the coxal bone, including recurrence patterns after treatment (PubMed), cortical thickness mapping (NCBI), and even automatic variable extraction for sex determination (Springer).
In Summary
The coxal bone is a vital part of the human skeleton, playing a critical role in supporting the body and facilitating movement. Its complex structure and function make it a significant area of study in anatomy and related fields. Understanding its properties is crucial in various medical contexts, including surgical planning and disease diagnosis.
