Pubic symphysis

A cartilage joint that connects the left and right pubic bones at the front of the pelvis.

The pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint located in the anterior midline of the pelvis, between the two pubic bones. It is composed of a fibrocartilaginous disc and is surrounded by a thin sleeve of synovial membrane, allowing for limited movement. This joint serves as a crucial point of connection and plays an important role during movement and childbirth.

Terminologia Anatomica

symphysis-pubica

System

Skeletal system

Function

The pubic symphysis functions primarily to absorb shock and provide stability to the pelvis while allowing a small degree of elasticity during movements such as walking, running, and bending. Its presence is particularly significant in women during childbirth, where the joint can slightly widen thanks to hormonal changes, accommodating the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. This flexibility is essential for minimizing stress on the surrounding structures during dynamic movements and ensuring an efficient distribution of forces across the pelvic region.

Location

Located at the midline of the body, the pubic symphysis sits anteriorly between the left and right pubic bones, forming the front part of the pelvic girdle. It is positioned slightly above the external genitalia and can be palpated through the skin in the lower abdominal region, just above the external angle of the pelvic bones. This joint is central to the stability of both the bipedal stance and locomotion in humans, effectively bridging the two sides of the pelvis.

Did You Know?

The pubic symphysis can move slightly during pregnancy, helping to widen the pelvic opening for childbirth.
This joint serves as a key marker for measuring pelvic health and alignment, particularly in physical therapy.
In many species of animals, a similar joint exists, but in humans, it is specifically adapted for the bipedal locomotion and childbirth demands.