The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae, that connects the spine to the pelvis. It forms a crucial foundation in the skeletal system by transferring the weight of the upper body to the pelvic girdle and legs. This strong, curved bone also protects the nerves that extend to the lower body and provides stability for walking and standing.
The word "sacrum" comes from the Latin "os sacrum," meaning "sacred bone," as ancient cultures believed it was sacred due to its role in resurrection. The Romans translated this from the Greek "hieron osteon," which held the same meaning.