Ossification of the human fetal ilium.

Ossification of the ilium is similar to that of a long bone. It possesses three cartilaginous epiphyses and one cartilaginous process. Moreover, it undergoes peculiar osteoclastic resorption, comparable with that of the cranium bones. Asymmetrical ossification of the ilium, haversian bone remodelling and apposition of chondroid tissue posterosuperiorly to the acetabulum most probably emphasize the importance of mechanical factors in the morphogenesis of the hip bone during fetal life.