Term: pelvis

Pronunciation: (PEL-vus)

Description:

The bones between the lower abdomen and upper thighs that connect the spine to the legs. The pelvis supports upper body weight, aids balance and walking, and protects the bladder, reproductive organs, colon, and rectum. The pelvis can also describe the pelvic region, or the area of the body below the abdomen that contains the hip bones, bladder, and rectum. In females, it also contains the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In males, it also contains the prostate and seminal vesicles.