What is the primary purpose of the pelvic girdle?

The primary purpose of the pelvic girdle is to connect the lower body to the spine and support body weight. The pelvic girdle consists of the hip bones, which form the base of the spine and act as a strong, stable structure for the attachment of the lower limbs. This arrangement enables efficient weight transfer during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Additionally, the pelvic girdle plays a crucial role in providing stability to the body, especially during movements that involve the legs, thereby allowing for effective locomotion and balance.

As for the other options, while the pelvic girdle may indirectly support certain functions related to surrounding structures, its main role remains strictly in the connection and support of the lower body and spine. For instance, protecting abdominal organs is primarily the function of the rib cage and abdominal muscles, while facilitating arm movements is not a role of the pelvic girdle but rather the function of the shoulder girdle. Assisting in breathing is mainly related to the diaphragm and ribcage, not the pelvic region. Thus, the choice that highlights the connection and support of the lower body structures is the most accurate representation of the pelvic girdle's primary purpose.