Sacral vertebrae

Sacrum
Sacrum, pelvic surface
Image of a male pelvis (sacrum is in center)
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Os sacrum
MeSH	A02.835.232.834.717
TA	A02.2.05.001
FMA	16202
Anatomical terms of bone []

The sacrum (/ˈsækrəm/ or /ˈseɪkrəm/; plural: sacra or sacrums; Latin os sacrum) in human anatomy is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine, that forms by the fusing of sacral vertebrae S1–S5, between 18 and 30 years of age.

The sacrum articulates (forms a joint) with four other bones. It is situated at the upper, back part of the pelvic cavity, where it is anatomically inserted between the two hip bones (ilium). The two lateral projections of the sacrum are called the alae (wings), and articulate with the ilium at the L-shaped sacroiliac joints. The upper part of the sacrum connects with the last lumbar vertebra, and its lower part with the coccyx (tailbone) via the sacral and coccygeal cornua.

The sacrum has three different surfaces which are shaped to accommodate surrounding pelvic structures. Overall it is (curved upon itself). The base of the sacrum (the broadest and uppermost part) is tilted forward as the sacral promontory internally. The central part is curved outward toward the posterior, allowing greater room for the pelvic cavity.