ischial spine; sciatic spine

Introduction

A pointed process from the posterior border of the ischium on a level with the lower border of the acetabulum. The pudendal nerve passes dorsal to this spine, which is palpable per vagina or rectum.

Function

• gives attachment to the coccygeus muscle & sacrospinous ligament

Clinical significance

• used as target for the needle tip in administering a pudendal nerve block

More general terms

• bony process

Additional terms

• sacrum