The pubic arch, also referred to as the ischiopubic arch, is part of the pelvis. It is formed by the convergence of the inferior rami of the ischium and pubis on either side, below the pubic symphysis. The angle at which they converge is known as the subpubic angle.
Function
The pubic arch is one of three notches (the one in front) that separate the eminences of the lower circumference of the
true pelvis.
Clinical significance
Subpubic angle
The
subpubic angle (or
pubic angle) is the angle in the
human body as the apex of the pubic arch, formed by the convergence of the inferior rami of the
ischium and pubis on either side. The subpubic angle is important in forensic anthropology, in determining the sex of someone from skeletal remains. A subpubic angle of 50–82 degrees indicates a male; an angle of 90 degrees indicates a female.
[Anthony J. Bertino. Forensic Science - Fundamentals and Investigations. South-Western Cengage Learning, 2000. . Page 368] Other sources operate with 50–60 degrees for males and 70–90 degrees in females.
Women have wider hips, and thus a greater subpubic angle, in order to allow for
child birth.
In some human populations, such as certain Saudi groups, male subpubic angles are relatively wide and more closely resemble those of females.
