The term "spina iliaca" refers to the iliac spine, a bony process located on the pelvis. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "spi-", is pronounced /spi/ with an "s" sound and short "i" sound. The second syllable, "-na", is pronounced /na/ with a short "a" sound. Finally, the word ends with "-iliaca", which is pronounced /ɪˈlaɪ.əkə/ with a short "i" sound, followed by a long "aɪ" sound, and ending with a "k" sound.
Spina iliaca, also known as the iliac spine, is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific bony prominence found on each side of the human pelvis. The word "spina" originates from Latin, meaning "thorn," while "iliaca" refers to the ilium bone, which is one of the three bones that fuse together to form the pelvis.
The spina iliaca is located in the anterior aspect of the ilium bone. It is a sharp, pointed projection that can be easily palpated on the front side of the pelvis, just below the waistline. This bony structure serves as an attachment site for several muscles and ligaments involved in movements of the hip and the thigh.
More specifically, the spina iliaca anterior superior refers to the uppermost prominence, while the spina iliaca anterior inferior refers to the lowermost projection of the iliac spine. These landmarks are crucial for anatomical referencing and are used for various purposes, such as determining incision sites for surgical procedures or guiding healthcare professionals during physical examinations.
Overall, the spina iliaca is a significant anatomical feature of the pelvis that aids in understanding the structural and functional aspects of the human body. Its prominence and location serve as vital points of reference in medical practice, contributing to accurate diagnosis, treatment, and study of the pelvic region.
One of the four iliac spines, named respectively anterior superior, anterior inferior, posterior superior, and posterior inferior; the first of these gives attachment to the outer extremity of Poupart's ligament and part of the sartorius muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "spina" derives from the Latin term "spina", which means "thorn" or "spine". The term "iliaca" is derived from the Latin word "iliacus", which means "pertaining to the flank or the ilium bone". Therefore, "spina iliaca" translates to "iliac spine" or "spinal ilium" in English. This term is commonly used in anatomy to refer to a prominent bony projection on the ilium, the uppermost portion of the hip bone.