Superior pubic ramus

Ramus superior ossis pubis

Definition

Pubis consists of a body and two rami: superior and inferior. The superior pubic ramus is located above the obturator foramen and extends laterally from the upper end of the pubis body to the acetabulum. It has three borders and three surfaces:

  • The sharp superior border (a.k.a. pecten pubis or pectineal line), starts behind the pubic tubercle and extends laterally behind the iliopubic eminence, merging with the arcuate line of the ilium. The pectineal line provides attachment to the conjoint tendon and lacunar ligament medially, and pectinate ligament laterally.

  • The rounded anterior border (a.k.a. obturator crest), extends laterally from the pubic tubercle and reaches the acetabulum.

  • The inferior border forms the sharp upper margin of the obturator foramen.

  • The superior or pectineal surface is triangular and lies between the anterior and superior borders. It extends from the pubic tubercle (medially) to the iliopubic eminence (laterally). The pectineus muscle originates from the pectineal surface and the pectineal line.

  • The pelvic surface is smooth and lies on the inside, between the superior and inferior borders. In males, it is traversed by the ductus deferens, while in females, it is traversed by the round ligament of the uterus.

  • The obturator surface lies on the outside, between the superior and inferior borders. It contains an obturator groove to transmit obturator vessels and nerves.

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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • 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. 1342-1343.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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