Sacrum

Os sacrum

The sacrum forms the posterior wall of the pelvis. The sacral promontory projects anteriorly at the lumbosacral junction. Four pairs of sacral foramina transmit sacral nerves. The sacral canal is the inferior continuation of the vertebral canal.

Type Bone
Système corporel Skeletal
Région corporelle Pelvis
Nom latin Os sacrum
FMA ID 16202

Fonction

A large triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. Transmits the weight of the upper body to the pelvis and lower limbs through the sacroiliac joints. Protects the pelvic organs posteriorly.

Signification clinique

Sacral fractures occur in high-energy trauma and insufficiency fractures in osteoporosis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common cause of low back pain. The sacral hiatus is used for caudal epidural anesthesia.

Questions fréquentes

What is the sacrum?
The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. It forms the posterior wall of the pelvis and articulates with the hip bones to form the sacroiliac joints.
Where is the sacrum located?
The sacrum is situated between the two hip bones at the base of the vertebral column, forming the posterior portion of the pelvic girdle. The sacral promontory projects anteriorly at the lumbosacral junction.
What is the function of the sacrum?
The sacrum transfers the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs via the sacroiliac joints and forms the posterior wall of the pelvis. The sacral canal, as the inferior continuation of the vertebral canal, transmits sacral nerve roots.
What conditions may be associated with the sacrum?
The sacrum may be involved in sacral fractures, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and sacral stress fractures particularly in runners and those with osteoporosis. Sacral nerve compression may be associated with lower limb radiculopathy or bladder and bowel dysfunction.
What does the sacrum look like?
The sacrum is a wedge-shaped, curved bone with a smooth anterior surface and a rough posterior surface bearing the median sacral crest. Four pairs of sacral foramina are visible on its anterior and posterior surfaces, and the sacral promontory forms the prominent anterior projecting edge at its superior end.

Structures associées

articulation joint nutrient foramen conduit outer fibrous layer of periosteum capsular layer of periosteum periosteum pre-cartilage condensation pre-chondrogenic condensation postcranial axial skeleton axial skeleton radial element actinost cavity of bone organ bone organ cavity

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.