The
synsacrum is a skeletal structure of
Bird skeleton and other
,
pterosaurs,
as well as
Xenarthra mammals,
in which the
sacrum is extended by incorporation of additional fused or partially fused
Caudal vertebrae or
Lumbar vertebrae vertebrae. Some posterior thoracic vertebrae, the lumbar, sacral and a few anterior caudal vertebrae are fused to form a complex bone called synsacrum. In birds,
innominate bone are fused with the synsacrum to a greater or lesser extent, according to species, forming an avian pelvis. This forms a more extensive rigid structure than the pelvis of a mammal, fulfilling requirements for flight, locomotion and respiration. Posterior to the bird synsacrum there are a few free caudal vertebrae, the last of which is the
pygostyle to which the long, stiff tail feathers are attached. The central section of the synsacrum is swollen to accommodate the
glycogen body, an organ whose function is as yet unclear but which may be associated with balance.
In terms of external morphology, the synsacrum corresponds to the rump.
