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ArticlesAnatomyPelvis and perineumPelvic girdle and floorPubic arch
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ArticlesAnatomyPelvis and perineumPelvic girdle and floorPubic arch

Pubic arch

Author: Christina Loukopoulou, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: May 16, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Bony pelvis [27:56]
Overview of the bony pelvis.
Pubic arch
Arcus pubicus
Synonyms: Arch of pubis, Arcus pubis

The pubic arch is a bony structure formed by the convergence of the inferior rami of the left and right pubic bones. It is found immediately inferior to the pubic symphysis and is formed by the paired ischiopubic rami on either side.

The breadth of the pubic arch is measured as the subpubic angle.

Sexual dimorphism of the human pelvis is linked with its adaptive functions. The pubic arch, in females for example,  is wider and nearly at a right angle. In males, it is approximately 30 degrees narrower and can range from 50 to 90 degrees. Thus, the subpubic angle can be used in sex estimation of a human bony pelvis.

Terminology English: Pubic arch
Synonyms: Arch of pubis

Latin: Arcus pubicus
Synonyms: Arcus pubis
Definition The pubic arch is found immediately inferior to the pubic symphysis and is formed by the paired ischiopubic rami on either side.

Learn more about the bony pelvis and its landmarks in the following study unit:

Bony pelvis Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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