The word "flankbone" is spelled as /flæŋkboʊn/. The first syllable "flank" is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat," followed by "nk" consonant cluster and stressed "bo" syllable with a long "o" as in "go" and ending with "n" consonant sound. The "bone" part is pronounced with a silent "e" at the end and a long "o" sound as in "toe." The spelling of this word corresponds with its pronunciation, making it easy to read and comprehend.
Flankbone, also commonly known as the ilium, is a large flat bone situated in the pelvis of vertebrate animals, including humans. It forms the uppermost and largest portion of the pelvic girdle, along with the ischium and pubis bones. The flankbone plays a crucial role in providing support to the abdominal organs, as well as serving as an attachment point for various muscles that aid in movement and stability.
In humans, the flankbone consists of two iliac bones, one on each side of the body, which fuse together during childhood. Each iliac bone has a distinctive shape, resembling that of a butterfly, with a body and two wings. The body of the flankbone is located at the center, while the wings extend outward and downward, forming the prominent sections of the crest and the anterior superior iliac spine.
The flankbone serves several important functions in the human body. It forms a protective enclosure for the organs of the pelvic region, including the intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs. Furthermore, it provides support for the weight of the upper body, transfers forces from the legs to the spine, and plays a significant role in maintaining balance and stability during various movements such as walking, running, and twisting.
Overall, the flankbone is a vital component of the pelvic structure, supporting the organs and contributing to stability and movement in vertebrates, including humans.
The word "flankbone" is typically used to refer to the hipbone. Although it is not a commonly used term, it is derived from the word "flank", which originally referred to the side or the fleshy portion of an animal between the ribs and hip, as well as the corresponding region in humans. The term "flank" has its roots in the Old English word "flanc", which meant "flank, fleshy part". Therefore, "flankbone" essentially denotes the bone associated with the flank or hip region.