Sacral vs. Sacrum — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
acral refers to anything related to the sacrum or the lower back, such as sacral nerves, while the sacrum is the triangular bone itself at the base of the spine, forming part of the pelvis.
Difference Between Sacral and Sacrum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sacral is an adjective describing things associated with the sacrum. For example, the sacral nerves emerge from the sacrum, and the sacral region relates to this area of the spine. On the other hand, the sacrum is a specific bone in the lower back, located between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx.
The sacrum, which consists of five fused vertebrae, forms a strong base connecting the spine to the hip bones. Meanwhile, sacral is used to describe nerves, muscles, and joints in this area, like the sacral nerves responsible for motor and sensory functions in the lower body.
The sacrum plays a significant role in weight distribution and stability in the pelvic region. Sacral nerves emerging from this bone control important bodily functions, including movement and sensation in the legs and pelvic organs.
Conditions affecting the sacrum include fractures or congenital deformities, whereas sacral issues may encompass nerve compression, muscular problems, or joint disorders impacting surrounding tissues.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Adjective related to the sacrum
Triangular bone at the base of the spine
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Structure
Not a physical entity
Consists of five fused vertebrae
Function
Describes nerves, muscles, joints
Supports spine and connects to hip bones
Conditions
Nerve compression, joint disorders
Fractures, congenital abnormalities
Role
Refers to specific region of the spine
Base of spine, crucial for weight distribution
Compare with Definitions
Sacral
Relating to the sacrum.
The sacral nerves extend from the lower spine.
Sacrum
Five fused vertebrae.
The sacrum is formed by the fusion of five vertebrae.
Sacral
Nerves near the sacrum.
Compression in the sacral region can cause pain.
Sacrum
Bone at the base of the spine.
The sacrum is wedged between the pelvic bones.
Sacral
Joints connected to the sacrum.
The sacral joints are important for mobility.
Sacrum
Part of the pelvic structure.
The sacrum is a key component of the pelvis.
Sacral
Lower back and pelvic area.
Muscle tension in the sacral area can affect posture.
Sacrum
Supports the upper body.
The sacrum helps bear the body's weight when sitting.
Sacral
Associated with pelvic organs.
The sacral nerves play a role in bladder control.
Sacrum
Connects spine to hip bones.
The sacrum articulates with the hip bones at the sacroiliac joints.
Sacral
Of, near, or relating to the sacrum.
Sacrum
The sacrum (plural: sacra or sacrums), in human anatomy, is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine that forms by the fusing of the sacral vertebrae (S1–S5) between ages 18 and 30.The sacrum situates at the upper, back part of the pelvic cavity, between the two wings of the pelvis. It forms joints with four other bones.
Sacral
Relating to sacred rites or observances.
Sacrum
A triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hip bones of the pelvis.
Sacral
(anatomy) Of the sacrum.
Sacrum
A triangular bone made up of five fused vertebrae and forming the posterior section of the pelvis.
Sacral
Sacred.
Sacrum
(anatomy) A large triangular bone at the base of the spine, located between the two ilia (wings of the pelvis) and formed from vertebrae that fuse in adulthood.
Sacral
Any of the sacral bones that make up the sacrum.
Sacrum
That part of the vertebral column which is directly connected with, or forms a part of, the pelvis.
Sacral
Of or pertaining to the sacrum; in the region of the sacrum.
Sacrum
Wedge-shaped bone consisting of five fused vertebrae forming the posterior part of the pelvis; its base connects with the lowest lumbar vertebra and its tip with the coccyx
Sacral
Of or relating to or near the sacrum
Sacral
Of or relating to sacred rites;
Sacral laws
Common Curiosities
What does sacral mean?
Sacral describes anything related to the sacrum, a bone in the lower spine.
Where is the sacrum located?
The sacrum is situated at the base of the spine between the lumbar vertebrae and the coccyx.
What are sacral nerves?
Sacral nerves are nerve bundles that emerge from the sacrum to control the lower body.
What is a sacral fracture?
A sacral fracture is a break in the sacrum bone, often due to trauma.
How many vertebrae form the sacrum?
The sacrum is formed from the fusion of five vertebrae.
Are sacral nerves part of the central nervous system?
No, sacral nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system.
What role does the sacrum play in the body?
The sacrum supports the spine, connects to the hip bones, and distributes upper body weight.
How does the sacrum influence posture?
The sacrum's alignment with the spine and pelvis is crucial for proper posture.
Does the sacrum connect directly to the spine?
Yes, the sacrum connects directly to the lumbar vertebrae above and the coccyx below.
Can sacral nerves affect bladder function?
Yes, sacral nerves control some pelvic organs, including the bladder.
What conditions can affect the sacral region?
Conditions like nerve compression, joint issues, or muscle strains can affect the sacral region.
Does the sacral region include the tailbone?
The sacral region lies above the tailbone, known as the coccyx.
What are the sacral vertebrae?
The sacral vertebrae are the five bones fused to form the sacrum.
What is the significance of the sacroiliac joint?
It connects the sacrum to the hip bones, enabling pelvic stability and flexibility.
Is the sacrum prone to arthritis?
Yes, the sacroiliac joints can develop arthritis over time.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
