Pubic symphysis
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Gray321.png The pubic symphysis (or Symphysis pubis) is the midline cartilaginous joint uniting the superior rami of the left and right pubic bones (pubis).
It is located anterior to the urinary bladder and superior to the external genitalia for females it is above the vulva and for males it is above the penis. In males, the suspensory ligament of the penis attaches to the pubic symphysis. In females, the pubic symphysis is intimately close to the clitoris.
During pregnancy in the human, hormones such as relaxin soften this cartilage allowing the pelvic bones to be more flexible for delivery. The symphysis pubis may actually separate during the birthing process in some women: this is painful but rare, with reported rates of occurrence ranging from one in 600 to one in 3400 births.
The pubic symphysis have importance in the field of forensic anthropology, as they can be used to estimate the age of adult skeletons. Throughout life, the surfaces of the pubic symphysis are worn at a more or less predictable rate. By examining the wear of the pubic symphysis, it is possible to estimate the age of the person at death.