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The Ilium

The ilium is the largest part of the hip bone. It sits at the top and has a wide, wing-like shape. The upper edge of the ilium is called the iliac crest — you can feel this part if you put your hands on your hips.

At the front, the iliac crest ends at a point called the anterior superior iliac spine, and at the back, it ends at the posterior superior iliac spine.
On the inside of the ilium is a shallow, curved surface called the iliac fossa, which holds muscles. The ilium also connects to the sacrum at a special surface called the auricular surface.

The Ischium

The ischium forms the lower back part of the hip bone. This is the part you sit on.
The large bump you sit on is called the ischial tuberosity. It’s an important attachment point for muscles like the hamstrings.
The ischium also has two notches:

• The greater sciatic notch, which is a large curve.

• The lesser sciatic notch, which is a smaller curve below it.
  These notches allow important nerves and muscles to pass through.