ischial spine


is·chi·al spine

[TA] a pointed process from the posterior border of the ischium on a level with the lower border of the acetabulum; gives attachment to the coccygeus muscle and sacrospinous ligament; the pudendal nerve passes dorsal to the ischial spine, which is palpable per vagina or rectum, and thus is used as a target for the needle tip in administering a pudendal nerve block. Synonym(s): spina ischiadica [TA], ischiadic spine, sciatic spine

is·chi·al spine

(is'kē-ăl spīn) [TA] A pointed process from the posterior border of the ischium on a level with the lower border of the acetabulum; gives attachment to the sacrospinous ligament; the pudendal nerve passes dorsal to the ischial spine, which is palpable per vaginam or per rectum, and thus is used as a target for the needle-tip in administering a pudendal nerve block.

ischial spine

The spine of the ischium, a pointed eminence on its posterior border.See also: spine