Module 6 — Part 2: Anatomy of the Hip | Pelvis Structure, Function & Q Angle

Описание: Module 6 — Part 2: Anatomy of the Hip | Pelvis Structure, Function & Q Angle

In this section, we explore the structure and function of the pelvis, how it supports movement, and why individual differences in pelvic shape matter in yoga and daily life.

🦴 What is the Pelvis?

The pelvis is an irregular, ring-like bony structure that:

Connects the spine to the femurs

Links the upper body to the lower body

Distributes weight and force throughout the body

⚙️ Functions of the Pelvis

The pelvis plays several essential roles:

✔️ Provides structure and stability
✔️ Forms the hip joint (ball-and-socket joint)
✔️ Transfers force between upper and lower body (walking, jumping, running)
✔️ Protects lower abdominal organs

👩‍⚕️ Male vs Female Pelvis (General Differences)

While every body is unique, structurally:

Male pelvis → deeper, narrower

Female pelvis → wider, flatter

💡 Why?
A wider pelvis supports childbirth, allowing a larger birth canal.

📐 Understanding the Q Angle (Quadriceps Angle)

The Q angle is formed by:

Line from ASIS (front hip point) → patella

Line from patella → tibial tuberosity

👉 Key Insight:

Wider pelvis = larger Q angle

Narrow pelvis = smaller Q angle

⚠️ Why Q Angle Matters

A larger Q angle can:

Increase stress on the knee joint

Create greater force distortion

Lead to higher risk of knee discomfort or injury

💡 Biomechanics Tip:
A smaller Q angle is generally more efficient for walking and running.

🏃 Movement & Structure Connection

People with narrower hips often have more efficient sagittal movement

This is why many runners naturally have narrower pelvis structures

⚖️ The Obstetrical Dilemma

This concept explains the balance between:

Efficient walking (requires narrower pelvis)

Childbirth (requires wider pelvis)

💡 Humans are born less developed because:
A wider pelvis for full development would make walking inefficient.

🧘 Yoga Application — Alignment Matters

In poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

Feet together may not suit everyone

People with wider hips may experience internal rotation

✔️ Better approach:

Keep feet hip-distance apart for more natural alignment

Reduce stress on knees and hips

💡 Key Reminder:
There is no “one perfect alignment” —
Each body is different.

🦴 Bones of the Pelvis

The pelvis is made of three main bones:

Ilium

Ischium

Pubis

These bones meet to form the acetabulum (hip socket).

👉 The socket is deepened by the labrum, which helps:

Stabilize the joint

Hold the femur securely

💡 Fun Fact:
These bones are separate at birth and fuse in adulthood.

🔗 The Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint)

The SI joint connects the sacrum to the ilium.

Functions:

Transfers weight from spine to legs

Provides stability (not much movement)

Types of stability:

✔️ Form Closure → bone structure fits like puzzle pieces
✔️ Force Closure → muscles and ligaments support the joint

💡 Important:
The SI joint must be stable but not rigid to allow natural walking.

🌱 Key Takeaways

The pelvis is central to movement and stability

Structural differences affect alignment and performance

Q angle influences knee health and biomechanics

Yoga alignment should adapt to individual anatomy

Stability and mobility must be balanced in the SI joint