Greater sciatic foramen

Definition

The greater sciatic foramen is a large, naturally occurring opening in the pelvis, formed between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments and parts of the hip bone. It serves as a passageway for structures entering or leaving the pelvis, including nerves, blood vessels, and muscles.

Related terms

Sacrospinous Ligament:

A ligament that connects the sacrum to the ischial spine of the pelvis and helps form the boundary of the greater sciatic foramen.

Sacrotuberous Ligament: This ligament extends from the sacrum and coccyx to the ischial tuberosity, playing a role in defining the borders of the greater sciatic foramen.

Sciatic Nerve:

The largest nerve in the human body that passes through the greater sciatic foramen to innervate much of the lower limb