Dorsal Surface Of The Sacrum, Posterior View

Description

Sacrum anatomy is presented from a posterior perspective, centering the dorsal surface from the broad base superiorly to the tapered apex inferiorly. Along the midline, the median sacral crest marks the fused spinous processes, flanked on each side by the intermediate sacral crests that correspond to the fused articular processes, and more laterally by the lateral sacral crests over the fused transverse elements. Four paired posterior (dorsal) sacral foramina punctuate the dorsal surface, aligned inferior to the sacral ala and lateral to the median crest, with the inferiormost opening leading toward the sacral canal’s terminal defect. Posterior sacral foramina transmit the dorsal rami of S1 to S4 and their accompanying vessels, a relationship that matters when correlating buttock pain patterns with sacral nerve root irritation and when planning image guided dorsal sacral foraminal blocks. Inferiorly, the sacral hiatus and adjacent sacral cornua form the palpable landmark for caudal epidural access, and the fixed posterior view supports teaching the tactile pathway from the median sacral crest to the hiatus without distracting lateral pelvic detail. Palpation landmarks stand out. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and osteology teaching to orient learners to sacral crests, foramina, and the sacral hiatus, and in anesthesia or pain medicine materials covering caudal epidural injection technique and posterior sacral foraminal interventions. It also suits orthopedic and spine publications discussing posterior sacral fractures, lumbosacral transitional anatomy, and surface landmarking over the sacrum. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.