Acetabular notch

Acetabular notch is a notable feature of the hip bone in the human body. It is a deep notch located on the inferior rim of the acetabulum, the socket of the hip joint. The acetabular notch is bridged by the transverse acetabular ligament and forms the acetabular fossa, which is filled with fat and covered by synovial membrane.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "acetabular" is derived from the Latin word "acetabulum", which means "little vinegar cup". This is due to the cup-like shape of the acetabulum. The term "notch" is derived from the Old English word "noc", which means "a notch, a hollow or a deep cut".

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The acetabular notch is an integral part of the acetabulum, which is a concave surface of the pelvis. The acetabulum is formed by the fusion of three bones: the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. The acetabular notch is located on the inferior part of the acetabulum and is filled by a fibrocartilaginous structure known as the transverse acetabular ligament.

The acetabular notch forms the acetabular fossa, a depression in the floor of the acetabulum. This fossa is filled with fat and covered by synovial membrane, which produces synovial fluid to lubricate the hip joint.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The acetabular notch, along with the rest of the acetabulum, plays a crucial role in the function of the hip joint. Any damage or deformity to the acetabular notch can lead to hip joint instability and pain. Conditions such as hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis can affect the structure of the acetabular notch and impair its function.

References[edit | edit source]

Acetabular notch Resources
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