Pelvis and Leg
The pelvis is comprised of bones from the axial and appendicular skeletons. The sacrum is on the posterior side of the pelvis while the two coxal bones make up the lateral and anterior portions.
- Coxal bones - two bones that are made up of three regions each. These bones provide an anchoring point for the attachment of the leg (anteriolateral side) and help to support the vertebral column at their posterior sides.
The leg is comprised of one bone in the upper leg (femur) and two bones in the lower leg (tibia and fibula) with the patella ('knee cap') helping with muscular attachment across the knee. The ankle has seven bones (tarsals) and the foot is comprised of nineteen bones (metatarsals and phalanges).
- Femur - A large, long bone found in the upper leg. You can palpate a portion of this bone just above your knee. The two protrusions of bone on each side of the upper portion of your knee are parts of the femur.
- Tibia - Commonly known as the 'shin bone'. One of the two bones of the lower leg found on the big toe side (medial side in anatomical position). You can palpate a portion of this bone by running your hand down your shin, this bone you are feeling is the tibia. You can continue to run your hand down as you feel the bone run to the lateral (big toe side) lower leg until you reach just above the ankle and feel a bump. This bump is a portion of the tibia.
- Fibula - One of the two bones of the lower leg found on the 5th digit ('small toe') side (lateral side in anatomical position). You can palpate a portion of this bone by running your hand down the lateral lower leg until you reach just above the ankle and feel a bump. This bump is a portion of the fibula.
- Tarsals - This is a grouping of seven bones that allow for all the movement of your ankle. They do not provide as much movement as teh carpals of the wrist due to the fact that some are larger and more weight-bearing.
- Metatarsals - This is a grouping of five bones that run through the base / arch of your foot.
- Phalanges - This group has fourteen bones. Each digit 2-5 has three phalanges while the big toe only has two phalanges.
Figure 6 - Pelvis and Leg
Image from Johnson Human Biology 6th edition.
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