The Philosophy of Health; Volume 1 (of 2) / or, an exposition of the physical and mental constitution of man

by Southwood Smith

131. The ischium or hip bone is the lower part of the pelvis (fig. XLV. 12); at its undermost portion is a rounded prominence called the tuberosity (fig. XLV. 12), in its natural condition covered with cartilage, upon which is superimposed a cushion of fat. It is this part on which the body is supported in a sitting posture.

132. The pubis or share bone forms the upper and fore part of the pelvis (fig. XLV. 13), and together with the two former bones, completes the large and deep socket, termed the acetabulum (fig. XLV. 14), into which is received the head of the thigh-bone (fig. XXXIV. 4). The margin of the acetabulum and the greater part of its internal surface is lined with cartilage, so that in its natural condition it is much deeper than it appears to be when the bones alone remain.

133. The lower aperture of the pelvis, which appears large when all the soft parts are removed, is not really large, for in its natural state it is filled up partly by muscles and partly by ligaments, which sustain and protect the pelvic organs, leaving only just space enough for the passage to and from those which have their opening on the external surface.

134. The cavity of the pelvis, together with all the organs contained in it, are lined by a continuation of the membrane that invests the abdomen and its contents.

135. The organs contained in the pelvis are the rectum (fig. LXIV. 9), which is merely the termination of the large intestines, the urinary bladder (fig. LXIV. 8), and the internal part of the apparatus of reproduction.

136. The large and strong bones of the pelvis not only afford lodgment and protection to the tender organs contained in its cavity, but sustain the entire weight of the body, the trunk resting on the sacrum as on a solid basis (fig. XLV. 5), and the lower extremities being supported in the sockets in which the heads of the thigh-bones play, in the varied movements of locomotion (fig. XXXIV. 4).

137. The last division of the body comprehends the superior and the inferior extremities.

138. The superior extremities consist of the shoulder, arm, fore-arm, and hand.