Pubic symphysis

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

The pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint located in the midline between the bodies of the pubic bones.

The symphysis is composed of the fibrocartilage interpubic disc and surrounding ligaments that comprise a strong fibrous sheet. The anterior fibers of this sheet are interwoven with the expansions of the abdominal muscles and the adductors of the hip, which support and strengthen the joint.

The fibrous sheet has two well-defined ligaments that strengthen the interpubic joint:

The superior pubic ligament is situated on the superior aspect of the symphysis, attaching laterally to the pubic tubercles.
The inferior (arcuate) pubic ligament is a thick fibrous band that connects the inferior parts of the joint.

The movements in the pubic symphysis are very limited but very important for cushioning the stress related to physical activity particularly while walking and running. During pregnancy, circulating hormones (e.g. relaxin) cause structural changes in the pubic symphysis in order to increase its width and mobility to prepare the pelvis for childbirth.

Terminology	English: Pubic symphysis Latin: Symphysis pubica
Definition	The pubic symphysis is the articulation between the left and right pubis bones.
Ligaments	Superior pubic ligament, inferior pubic ligament
Function	Absorbs and cushions the weight and stress from the upper body; facilitates the vaginal childbirth

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Learn everything about the pelvis and the related structures with the following study unit:

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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.

Frank H.Netter MD: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition, Elsevier Saunders.
Chummy S.Sinnatamby: Last’s Anatomy Regional and Applied, 12th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell WMA. Gray’s anatomy for students. 4th ed. 2020.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

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