ilium

Pronunciation: il′ē-ŭm, il′ē-ă

Definition: The broad, flaring portion of the hip bone, distinct at birth but later becoming fused with the ischium and pubis; it consists of a body, which joins the pubis and ischium to form the acetabulum and a broad thin portion, called the ala or wing, bordered superiorly by a thicker crest. The body transmits the weight of the trunk to the femur, whereas the ala and crest provide for muscle attachment and protect abdominopelvic viscera.

Synonym(s): os iliumTA, flank bone, iliac bone, os iliacum

[L. groin, flank]

Search Stedman's Medical Dictionary