The large flared upper portion of the hip bone that forms the crest you can feel at your waist.
Structure
The ilium has a broad, fan-shaped body and a thickened upper edge called the iliac crest. It joins with the ischium and pubis to form each half of the bony pelvis.
Function
The iliac crest gives origin to the abdominal wall muscles and several hip muscles. The inner surface forms the iliac fossa, where the iliacus muscle helps flex the hip.
Clinical note
The iliac crest is a common site for bone marrow biopsy and for harvesting bone grafts because of its accessibility and rich marrow content.
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Ilium starts with I and ends with M. Browse other body parts along the same letter.
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