How many sacral vertebrae are there in the human body?

The human body contains five sacral vertebrae, which are fused together to form a single structure known as the sacrum. This bony structure plays an essential role in providing support and stability to the pelvis and serves as an attachment point for various muscles and ligaments. The sacrum connects the spine to the hip bones, forming the sacroiliac joints that are critical for movement and weight transfer during activities such as walking and running. The fusion of the vertebrae into the sacrum typically occurs during adolescence, resulting in the adult anatomy of five distinct sacral vertebrae. Understanding the anatomy and function of the sacral vertebrae is crucial in sports medicine and athletic training, as it is integral to many lower body movements and overall body mechanics.