The pelvic girdle attaches the lower limbs to the axial skeleton, transmits the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs, and supports the visceral organs of the pelvic cavity.

In contrast to the pectoral girdle which allows the upper limb a high degree of mobility, the pelvic girdle is secured to the axial skeleton by some of the strongest ligaments in the body and its sockets which articulate with the thigh bones are deep, cuplike and heavily reinforced by ligaments. This explains why we cannot move our arms and legs with the same degree of freedom.