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 pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint between the left and right superior rami of the pubis of the hip bones. It is in front of and below the urinary bladder. In males, the suspensory ligament of the penis attaches to the pubi ...
. The angle at which they converge is known as the
subpubic angle.
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
The pelvic cavity is a body cavity that is bounded by the bones of the pelvis. Its oblique roof is the pelvic inlet (the superior opening of the pelvis). Its lower boundary is the pelvic floor.
The pelvic cavity primarily contains the reprodu ...
.
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 being. It is composed of many different types of cells that together create tissues and subsequently organ systems. They ensure homeostasis and the viability of the human body.
It comprises a hea ...
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
Forensic anthropology is the application of the anatomical science of anthropology and its various subfields, including forensic archaeology and forensic taphonomy, in a legal setting. A forensic anthropologist can assist in the identification ...
, 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
Childbirth, also known as labour and delivery, is the ending of pregnancy where one or more babies exits the internal environment of the mother via vaginal delivery or caesarean section. In 2019, there were about 140.11 million births globa ...
.
File:Subpubic angle, female.png, Female subpubic angle
File:Subpubic angle, male.png , Male subpubic angle
Intrapubic angle
References
{{Authority control
Bones of the pelvis