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Hip bone: anatomy, landmarks and muscle attachments

The hip bone (os coxae) is formed by the ilium, ischium and pubis, fused at the acetabulum. Learn its landmarks (iliac crest, ASIS, AIIS, ischial tuberosity, pubic symphysis) and the many muscles that attach to it.

By the Anatomy Atlas 3D team · Updated · 2 min read

Quick answer

Latin name
Os coxae
Type
Irregular bone, formed by three fused bones
Location
Side and front of the pelvis
Joints
Hip joint with the femur; sacro-iliac joint with the sacrum; pubic symphysis with the other hip bone
Main landmarks
Ilium: iliac crest, anterior superior and inferior iliac spines (ASIS, AIIS), iliac fossa, gluteal lines. Ischium: ischial tuberosity, ischial spine. Pubis: pubic crest, pubic tubercle, pubic symphysis. Acetabulum, obturator foramen
Hip bone: anatomy, landmarks and muscle attachments, Anatomy Atlas 3D

Each hip bone (os coxae) is made of three bones fused together in adolescence: the ilium above, the ischium below and behind, and the pubis in front. The two hip bones and the sacrum make the pelvic girdle.

Ilium

  • The iliac crest is the top edge you feel when you put your hands on your hips. The external oblique, the latissimus dorsi and others attach to it.
  • The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) at its front end anchors the sartorius and the inguinal ligament; just below, the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) anchors the rectus femoris.
  • Its outer surface, marked by the gluteal lines, receives the gluteal muscles, including the gluteus maximus at the back.

Ischium

  • The ischial tuberosity is the bone you sit on. The hamstrings, including the long head of biceps femoris, start there.

Pubis

  • The pubic crest and pubic symphysis at the front anchor the rectus abdominis.
  • The adductor muscles of the thigh start on the pubis.

Acetabulum

The three bones meet in the acetabulum, the deep, cup-shaped socket of the hip joint that holds the head of the femur.

Frequently asked questions

What three bones form the hip bone?

The ilium, the ischium and the pubis, fused at the acetabulum.

What is the ASIS?

The anterior superior iliac spine, the front end of the iliac crest. The sartorius and the inguinal ligament attach to it.

What is the bone you sit on?

The ischial tuberosity, part of the ischium.

Sources

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