If the waist in women is longer and smaller, it is because the thorax is more constricted at the base and the pelvis is generally not as high. The most important difference between the male and female skeletons is found at the level of the pelvis.
The female pelvis is adapted for gestation: it is not as high and is proportionately wider than that of the male. The sacrum of the female is wider and the pelvic ring is wider and more circular to facilitate the passage of the newborn.
As the pelvic ring is wider, the acetabula the fossa in which the heads of the femurs lodge are farther apart, which increases the distance between the greater trochanters and consequently the width of the hips.
Greater hip width in women influences the position of the femurs, which are often more angled than in men, giving them a slight X shape. A wide pelvis with a significant angle of the femur can provoke genu valgum, accentuated all the more by the hyperlaxity toward which women tend.
The legs then take on a typical X shape: the articulation at the knee is excessively solicited; the medial collateral ligament is overstretched; and the lateral meniscus, the cartilage-covered articular surfaces of the external condyle of the femur, and the lateral tuberosity of the tibia are subjected to excessive loads, which may lead to premature wear.
Pathological genu valgum is accompanied by medial collapse at the ankle and the disappearance of the plantar arch flat foot , which may involve pain because of excessive stretching of certain muscles in the sole of the foot. It is very important to take into account the individual morphologies and to remember that women are more often prone to genu valgum pathologies, whereas men more frequently suffer from bow-legs genu varum.
As it goes, women have evolved compensatory strategies some on this page, more in later posts! It is the biological sex of our bodies that is at the root of the sexism women have to deal with throughout life. It is why we are at risk of sexual and physical violence from males. It is why women are expected to take on caring roles throughout life. It is why we are paid less at work. It is why we have to fight daily against the sex stereotypes society imposes on us.
It is also why women have fought hard for female-only spaces, female-only prisons, female-only opportunities and female-only competitive sports. We are different to males and ignoring that difference ignores the lived experience and needs of females. Equality of opportunity is about treating everyone fairly, not the same. This is simple fact, not prejudice or transphobia. Biological sex affects every part of us, down to the cellular level. Yet you could be forgiven for thinking women are just like men with boobs and an extra hole!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish. Read More. What are the differences between male and female skeletons?
Quick links in this post: skeleton head muscles reproductive ligaments conclusion There are many biological sex differences, right down to the cellular level. A male skeleton is the much larger and heavier type of human skeleton. The two main distinctions between male and female skeletons are in the structure of the pelvis and the skull. The male pelvis is thicker, heavier, and has a narrow pelvic cavity.
Other characteristic features of the male pelvis are listed below. Figure 1: Female and Male Pelvis. Female skeleton is lighter than the male skeleton, and is especially adapted to facilitate the development of the human embryo.
The characteristics of the pelvis and the skull of the female skeleton are described below. The main characteristic feature of the female pelvis is its wider and deeper nature, making it roomier as required by the womb.
The cause of this condition is the loss of calcium, which can be common as people age. But for some people, this process occurs much quicker and puts them at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to thin and weaken over time, making them vulnerable to fractures. Much like osteopenia, osteoporosis affects both men and women. However, the number of women who develop osteopenia, osteoporosis, or both conditions outnumber men in both prevalence and fractures associated with low bone density.
According to a review of studies in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research , osteoporosis in women age 50 and older is four times more common and osteopenia is two times more common in women compared to men their age.
Estrogen deficiency also plays a part in osteoporosis development in women and at younger ages than men. After age 50, women—because of bone loss—will have more fractures than men, but before age 50, men have higher incidences of fractures due to sports activities and risk factors than do women.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 4 men will break a bone due to osteoporosis, and each year 80, men will break a hip. Additionally, women tend to have more severe OA compared to men. Researchers speculate women are more often affected because of hormones and biomechanics.
Because testosterone is produced in the ovaries, menopause means lower testosterone levels. Testosterone generally helps builds up muscles and strengthens them, so they are better able to support the bones and joints. Wider hips, more flexible joints, hypermobility, and the effects of childbirth all play a part in the development of OA and the increased risk for the condition.
Inflammatory arthritis conditions are considered autoimmune diseases and are known for causing chronic, ongoing inflammation that can lead to joint and tissue damage in the people affected.
Women tend to get inflammatory arthritis more often than men do. High estrogen levels in women can force the immune system to malfunction and attack itself through a misdirected response called autoimmunity. Researchers also know that estrogen heightens B cells—cells known for causing dysfunction in the immune system. Further, estrogen can increase the production of certain inflammatory proteins that under general circumstances and at moderate levels would fight off bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.
Genetics might be able to explain some of the differences in risk for inflammatory arthritis between men and women. A study reported in in the journal Nature Genetics suggests X chromosomes play a part in the development of autoimmune diseases and because women have two, their risk for these types of conditions is twice as great in comparison to men. It is possible to delay bone loss and reduce your risk for bone disease regardless of gender.
Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D. Stay active with weight-bearing exercise that is appropriate for your age and ability.
Talk to your healthcare provider about medications or health conditions that may affect your bone health. Your healthcare provider might recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements. If necessary, they can prescribe bone-strengthening medications, especially if you have bone loss and risk factors for a specific bone condition. Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body.
Click below and just hit send! Circulating testosterone as the hormonal basis of sex differences in athletic performance. Endocr Rev. Advances in pubertal growth and factors influencing it: Can we increase pubertal growth? Indian J Endocrinol Metab.
Bone metabolism in children and adolescents: main characteristics of the determinants of peak bone mass. Clin Cases Miner Bone Metab. Osteoporosis: Peak bone mass in women.
Updated October Bonjour JP, Chevalley T. Pubertal timing, bone acquisition, and risk of fracture throughout life. Peak bone mass and patterns of change in total bone mineral density and bone mineral contents from childhood into young adulthood.
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