Which three bones make up the acetabulum?

The acetabulum is a cup-shaped socket located in the hip bone, forming a crucial part of the hip joint. It is specifically formed by three bones of the pelvis: the pubis, ilium, and ischium. These three bones fuse together to create the acetabulum, which articulates with the head of the femur, allowing for a wide range of motion in the hip joint.

Understanding the structure of the acetabulum is key in fields related to orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, as it plays an essential role in hip stability and mobility. The connection of these three bones emphasizes the complexity of the pelvis and highlights its importance in supporting the weight of the upper body and providing attachment points for various muscles.

Other options listed involve bones that are not part of the formation of the acetabulum. For instance, the femur is the thigh bone that articulates with the acetabulum, while the tibia and fibula are part of the lower leg. The patella is a kneecap and does not engage with the composition of the acetabulum. Similarly, the scapula, humerus, and ulna are all related to the shoulder joint rather than the hip, underscoring the specificity of the ili