Logo

    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Tibia
    Shin bone, the larger bone in the lower leg.
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.

    Coccyx

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.

    1. Overview

    The coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone, is the terminal portion of the vertebral column. It is a small, triangular bony structure composed of 3 to 5 fused vertebrae, usually four. The coccyx is considered a vestigial structure, the remnant of a tail in humans, but it still plays important roles in posture, muscle attachment, and weight-bearing when sitting. Despite its small size, injury or dysfunction of the coccyx can lead to significant pain and discomfort.

    2. Location

    The coccyx is located at the inferior end of the vertebral column:

    • Superiorly: Articulates with the sacrum at the sacrococcygeal joint.

    • Inferiorly: Ends in an apex that may be slightly curved or pointed.

    • Posteriorly: Lies just beneath the skin at the base of the spine.

    In seated posture, it is positioned anterior to the gluteal cleft and can be palpated externally.

    3. Structure

    The coccyx is typically made up of four small fused vertebrae (Co1–Co4), though variation exists:

    • Co1: The largest and most prominent segment, often retains rudimentary transverse processes and may articulate with the sacrum.

    • Co2–Co4: Progressively smaller; lack true pedicles, laminae, and spinous processes.

    • Sacrococcygeal joint: A fibrocartilaginous joint (sometimes synovial) between the sacrum and coccyx; may become fused with age.

    • Ligamentous support: Includes the anterior and posterior sacrococcygeal ligaments and the intercornual ligament connecting the sacral and coccygeal cornua.

    4. Function

    The coccyx serves several biomechanical and support functions:

    • Supports weight in sitting: Helps bear body weight when seated, especially when leaning backward.

    • Muscle and ligament attachment: Serves as an anchor for several pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.

    • Shock absorption: Acts as a slight buffer or flex point during falls or sudden seating pressure.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Despite being vestigial, the coccyx plays important physiological roles:

    • Pelvic floor support: Provides attachment for muscles such as the levator ani, coccygeus, and external anal sphincter, which support pelvic organs and control continence.

    • Postural balance: Contributes to distribution of pressure and posture during sitting and dynamic movement.

    • Parturition (childbirth): May move slightly backward to increase the pelvic outlet during vaginal delivery.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The coccyx can be a source of clinical concern, especially in cases of trauma or dysfunction:

    • Coccydynia (tailbone pain):

      • Pain in the coccygeal region, often from falls, prolonged sitting, childbirth, or idiopathic causes.

      • May involve inflammation, dislocation, or spasm of surrounding muscles (e.g., coccygeus, levator ani).

    • Fracture or dislocation:

      • Results from direct trauma (e.g., falling onto a hard surface); can be very painful and slow to heal.

    • Hyper- or hypomobility:

      • Excessive or restricted movement at the sacrococcygeal joint may cause chronic pain or functional limitations.

    • Surgical consideration:

      • In rare, refractory cases of coccydynia, coccygectomy (surgical removal of the coccyx) may be considered.

    • Referred pain:

      • Pelvic floor dysfunction or nerve entrapment in the region may mimic coccygeal pain and require differential diagnosis.

    Did you know? The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body.