Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The acetabulum is a deep, cup-shaped socket located on the lateral aspect of the pelvis that articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint. It is formed by parts of the ilium, ischium, and pubis bones of the pelvic girdle.
Related terms
Pelvic girdle: The pelvic girdle is a ring-like bony structure, located in the lower part of the trunk, that connects the vertebral column to the femurs.
The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, extending from the hip (acetabulum) to the knee.
Hip joint: A ball-and-socket synovial joint formed between the acetabulum of the pelvis and the head of the femur, enabling wide range of motion in several axes