Final answer:
The iliac crest lies at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc, with the anterior and posterior superior iliac spines serving as attachment points for thigh muscles and ligaments supporting the sacroiliac joint.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following represents the level of the iliac crest in the body? The correct answer is D) L4-L5 Intervertebral Disc.
The ilium forms the superior margin of the hip bone, and the curved, superior margin of the ilium is known as the iliac crest. The iliac crest is an important bony landmark that can be palpated at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). Specifically, it lies approximately at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc.
The anterior superior iliac spine, located at the anterior end of the iliac crest, serves as an attachment point for muscles of the thigh. The posterior superior iliac spine, located at the posterior end of the iliac crest, serves as an attachment point for very strong ligaments that support the sacroiliac joint. Notably, the auricular surface of the ilium articulates with the sacrum to form the sacroiliac joint, anchoring the iliaca to the hipbones to form the pelvis.