Greater sciatic notch

Greater sciatic notch of the hip bone

The Greater Sciatic Notch is a notable anatomical feature located in the human skeletal system. It is a large, deep notch located on the posterior edge of the hip bone, between the iliac spine and the ischial spine.

Anatomy

The Greater Sciatic Notch is a key part of the pelvic girdle, and is formed by the sacrum and the coccyx at the base, and the ilium and the ischium at the sides. The notch is covered by the piriformis muscle and the sacrotuberous ligament, and serves as a passageway for several important structures, including the sciatic nerve, the inferior gluteal artery, and the pudendal nerve.

Clinical Significance

The size and shape of the Greater Sciatic Notch can vary significantly between individuals, and can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity. In some cases, a narrow or irregularly shaped notch can lead to sciatica, a condition characterized by pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower extremities.

See Also

• Lesser sciatic notch
• Sciatic nerve
• Hip bone