Coxal bone

Definition

The coxal bone, also known as the hip bone, forms part of the pelvic girdle in the human skeleton and is essential for supporting the weight of the upper body when standing, walking, or sitting. It articulates with the sacrum at the back and with its counterpart on the opposite side to form the pelvis.

Related terms

Pelvic girdle: The skeletal structure formed by both coxal bones (hip bones) and the sacrum which connects the lower limbs to the axial skeleton.

Sacrum:

A triangular bone at the base of the spine situated between the two halves of the pelvis, connecting them to each other and to the spine.

Acetabulum:

The deep socket in each coxal bone that receives the head of the femur (thigh bone), forming the hip joint