pelvis
/ˈpɛlvɪs
/noun (plural pelvises or pelves /ˈpɛlviːz/)
1The large bony frame near the base of the spine to which the hindlimbs or legs are attached in humans and many other vertebrates.He lived only ten weeks after his diagnosis, the disease having already metastasized to his spine and bony pelvis, femur, skull, and tibia....
- Since the two iliac bones are bound strongly together at the centre front, the bony pelvis (sacrum and iliac bones) can only be tilted as a whole by movement at the hip joints and by bending the spine.
- Laterally, anteriorly and posteriorly the pelvis is bony and significant support is provided through ligaments.
1.1The part of the abdomen including or enclosed by the pelvis.They are usually found in groups in different places throughout the body, including the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and groin....
- Several surgical procedures of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, back, and limbs are described.
- A computed tomographic scan of the abdomen and the pelvis showed subtle lymph node enlargement in the retroperitoneum.
2 (also renal pelvis) The broadened top part of the ureter into which the kidney tubules drain.The nephrectomy specimen revealed a dilated renal pelvis and ureter....
- Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography identified a large mass in the left kidney and numerous obstructing blood clots in the left renal pelvis, left ureter, and urinary bladder.
- An atypical hydronephrotic type may have isolated ureteral atresia with multiple cysts communicating with a dilated renal pelvis with dysplastic renal tissue forming trabeculae between the cysts.
Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin, literally 'basin'.
This is a use of a Latin word meaning literally ‘basin’, describing the shape of the cavity.