What is the Difference Between Male and Female Pelvis

The main difference between male and female pelvis is that the male pelvis is taller, narrower, and more compact whereas the female pelvis is larger and broader.

In short, the pelvis is the region between the abdomen and thighs. And, it includes a bony pelvis, pelvic cavity, pelvic floor, and perineum. The pelvic bone consists of the sacrum, coccyx, and a pair of hip bones. On the other hand, the pelvic cavity is the space enclosed by the bony pelvis; the pelvic floor is below the pelvic cavity; the perineum is below the pelvic floor.

Key Areas Covered

  1. What is Male Pelvis
    • Definition, Structure, Function
  2. What is Female Pelvis
    • Definition, Structure, Function
  3. Similarities Between Male and Female Pelvis
    • Outline of Common Features
  4. Difference Between Male and Female Pelvis
    • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Female Pelvis, Male Pelvis, PelvisMale vs Female Pelvis - Comparison Summary

What is Male Pelvis

The male pelvis is the region between the abdomen and thighs in males. It is smaller and narrower. Moreover, the pelvis bone of males is heavier, taller, and much thicker. 

Compare Male and Female Pelvis - What's the difference?

Figure 1: Male Pelvis

The main function of the male pelvis is to support a heavy body build.

What is Female Pelvis

The female pelvis is the region of the female body between the abdomen and thighs. The female pelvis is wider and larger than the male pelvis. It also has a more oval shape than its male version. 

Male vs Female Pelvis

Figure 2: Female Pelvis

The most important function of the female pelvis is childbearing. Moreover, the pelvis is thinner and denser in females when compared to males. 

Similarities Between Male and Female Pelvis

  • The male and female pelvis are the two regions of the human body between the abdomen and thighs.
  • Also, it includes a bony pelvis, pelvic cavity, pelvic floor, and perineum.

Difference Between Male and Female Pelvis

Definition

The male pelvis refers to the lower part of the abdomen that is located between the hip bones in a male, which is more robust, narrower, and taller than the female pelvis, whereas the female pelvis refers to the lower part of the abdomen that is located between the hip bones in a female, which is usually more delicate and wider than, and not as high as the male pelvis.

Shape

Usually, the male pelvis is taller, narrower, and more compact while the female pelvis is larger and broader.

The shape of the Inlet

The male inlet is more heart-shaped and the female inlet is larger and oval-shaped.

Sides of the Pelvis

Generally, the sides of the male pelvis converge from the inlet to the outlet while the sides of the female pelvis are wider apart.  

The Angle between Inferior Pubic Rami

In addition, the subpubic angle of the male pelvis is 70 degrees while the pubic arch of the female pelvis is 90-100 degrees.

The Distance between the Ischia Bones

In the male pelvis, the distance between ischia bones is smaller, making the outlet narrow, while the distance between ischia bones is larger in the female pelvis, making the outlet larger.

The Iliac Crests

The iliac crest is higher in the male pelvis, making the male pelvis deeper and narrow, while in the female pelvis, the iliac crest is lower, making the female pelvis shorter and larger.

Sacrum

In the male pelvis, the scrum is long, narrow, and straighter while the scrum of the female pelvis is shorter, wider, and more curved.

Acetabula

In the male pelvis, the acetabulum faces more lateral, while in the female pelvis, the acetabulum faces anteriorly.

Function

The male pelvis can support a heavy body build while the female pelvis can support childbearing.

Conclusion

In brief, the male pelvis is the narrower, taller, and more compact pelvis, important in supporting a heavy build. On the other hand, the female pelvis is a wider and shorter pelvis, helping childbearing. Therefore, the main difference between male and female pelvis is their structure and function.

References:
  1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, July 19). Pelvis. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
Image Courtesy:
  1. Gray241” By Henry Vandyke Carter – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
  2. Gray242” By Henry Vandyke Carter – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Lakna

Lakna, a graduate in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, is a Molecular Biologist and has a broad and keen interest in the discovery of nature related things. She has a keen interest in writing articles regarding science.

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