What is the pubic branch?
The pubic branch is a large bony extension of the pubic bone (Os pubis) and represents a part of the bony pelvis. In total, the pubic bone has two pubic branches, an upper (ramus superior ossis pubis) and a lower (ramus inferior ossis pubis). The branches of the pubic bone are transverse to the entrance of the pelvis and are bony connected to the ilium (Os ilium) and the ischium (Os ischii). Both branches form the so-called pubic angle (Angulus subpubicus/Arcus pubis).
Anatomy
The pubic branches are anatomically seen a part of the bony pelvis. The pelvis consists of the three fused bones ischium (Os ischii), ilium (Os ilium) and pubic bone (Os pubis). As the name suggests, the branches of the pubic bone belong to the ischium.
The pubic bone consists of a body (Corpus ossis pubis) and two pubic branches. The branches of the pubic bone are bone processes that run transverse to the plane of the entrance to the pelvis. There is both an upper and a lower pubic branch.
The upper pubic process (ramus superior ossis pubis) merges into the ilium (os ilium). In addition, two anatomical structures must be emphasized there. The pubic crest (Pecten ossis pubis) forms the upper sharp-edged border of the upper pubic branch and is the origin of a muscle.
It also forms the direct continuation of the arcuate line (rounded bone edge on the inside of the ilium). Together with the ilium and ischium, the upper pubic branch is involved in the construction of the acetabulum for the thigh. The second anatomical feature is the pubic tubercle (Tuberculum pubicum), a small bone hump where the inguinal ligament (Ligamentum inguinale) is attached.
The lower pubic branch (ramus inferior ossis pubis) merges into the ischium (Os ischii). Both lower pubic branches limit the so-called pubic angle, which is called Angulus subpubicus in men. It is about 70° and therefore rather pointed.
In women the pubic angle is called Arcus pubis and measures about 90° to 100°. It is therefore rather blunt and provides an advantage during birth. In addition, both pubic branches together with the ischium are involved in the formation of the foramen obturatorium. The foramen obturatorium is a large round opening in the pelvis through which various nerves and vessels run.
