Body of ilium
Corpus ossis ilium
- Related terms: Ilium (Body of ilium)
Definition
The lower, compact portion of the iliac component of the hip bone is referred to as the body of ilium. In contrast, the upper, fan-shaped (or wing-shaped) portion of the ilium, which contributes to the false pelvis, is known as the ala of the ilium.
The body of the ilium constitutes a section of the sacropelvic surface. To provide some context, it is important to note the presence of an oblique ridge called the arcuate line on the medial surface of the ilium. The posteroinferior part of the ilium, located behind the arcuate line, is identified as the sacropelvic surface. This surface comprises three sub-parts: an upper iliac tuberosity, an auricular surface, and a lower pelvic surface. Only the latter (the pelvic surface) corresponds to the body of ilium.
The body of ilium is involved in the formation of the true pelvis and articulates with the ischial and pubic components of the hip bone within the acetabulum.
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 5: Pelvis and Perineum’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp.421-424.
Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 80: Pelvic girdle, gluteal region and thigh’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 1339-1344.
