Final answer:
The pelvic girdle includes the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx, supporting the body's weight and protecting organs. In bridging/pelvic tilt exercises, the lower back, hip flexors, and pelvic diaphragm muscles are engaged. The female pelvis has unique features to accommodate childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pelvic girdle plays a crucial role in the human body, providing a foundation for the lower limb and serving as an attachment point for muscles. The pelvis consists of the right and left hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx. These bones support the weight of the upper body, facilitate the transfer of this weight to the lower limbs, and protect internal pelvic organs. The anterior pelvic tilt is an important anatomical feature, allowing for the alignment of the anterior superior iliac spines and the pubic tubercles in the same vertical plane.
In the context of bridging/pelvic tilt exercises, the key areas that are working include the muscles of the lower back, the hip flexors, and the core. The pelvic diaphragm is also engaged, comprising the levator ani and ischiococcygeus muscles. These exercises can strengthen the muscles that stabilize the pelvis, which is particularly important for both everyday movements and athletic performance.
The female pelvis has several adaptations to facilitate childbirth, including a wider structure, a larger subpubic angle, a rounder pelvic brim, and a more shallow lesser pelvic cavity compared to the male pelvis. Understanding these differences is essential for recognizing the unique challenges and considerations when performing exercises like the pelvic tilt or bridging, especially for women.