Where is tailbone in human body

The "ears" would be the transverse processes that provide a fulcrum point for articulation with the sacrum. The coccyx is located at the distal tip of the sacrum and is the most distal portion of the spinal column.

The base of the coccyx articulates with the apex of the sacrum. Some articulation is possible between coccygeal vertebrae until they are fused, but they do not move very much. As the lowest point of the vertebral column and sitting at the bottom of the pelvic girdle, the coccyx acts as one insertion point for the muscles of the pelvic floor, a group of three muscles called levator ani at the apex, the coccygeus muscle across the anterior front surface, and the gluteus maximus across the posterior back surface.

It is connected to the sacrum via the sacrococcygeal ligament. As mentioned above, the coccyx is usually comprised of four coccygeal vertebrae. The shape and curvature of the coccyx can vary between individuals and is noticeably different between sexes. The female coccyx is more narrow, less triangular, and more likely to be straight or curved outwardly instead of inwardly.

The further along you go on the coccyx, the more common it is for the segments to be fused together. If humans had tails, the coccyx would have a much more satisfying job. Unfortunately for it, humans don't, and there are some who say that the coccyx really doesn't have any function at all. Several pelvic floor muscles are attached to the coccyx, but every muscle has multiple redundant attachment points. Most of those redundant attachment points are considerably stronger and more stable than the coccygeal vertebrae.

Contraction of those muscles can create enough movement of the coccyx to cause pain in some individuals. One common treatment for traumatic pain or atraumatic pain that originates in the coccyx for no discernable reason idiopathic coccyx pain is for healthcare providers to remove some or all of the coccyx.

In patients who've had the coccyx surgically removed, there doesn't appear to be any common side effects, which could suggest that the coccyx truly doesn't have a function. The most common condition associated with the coccyx is pain, which is called coccydynia or coccygodynia. Trauma is the most common cause.

The location of the coccyx makes it vulnerable to trauma if a person falls to a sitting position. It can become broken or bruised.

In cases of coccydynia, contraction of the pelvic floor muscles can be very painful in the area of the coccyx that is damaged or inflamed. The movement of muscles can lead to movement of the coccyx itself, causing pain. Because of the number of pelvic floor muscles attached to the coccyx, certain bodily functions, including sex or defecation, can lead to pelvic pain after trauma to the coccyx.

Idiopathic pain of the coccyx is pain caused for no discernible reason. It is more common in females than in males. This is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it can only be diagnosed after all other possible causes have been ruled out. Not every coccyx gets completely fused. In some people, the coccyx remains mobile and can continue to move as the person sits and moves. There is some evidence that a rigid coccyx is more likely to cause a certain type of pain due to the fact that it is constantly irritating surrounding soft tissues as the person changes positions.

Sacrococcygeal teratomas are the most common type of neonatal tumor and develop on the sacrum or coccyx. Teratomas generally appear when the patient is very young. Treatment options depend on which condition is causing pain in the coccyx.

In the case of trauma, the most common treatment is a conservative mix of therapies. It is probably a good idea to give conservative treatment a long leash. If a conservative approach is not working, your healthcare provider might suggest surgical removal of the coccyx, known as coccygectomy. There is not a standard timeline for how long you should wait to consider surgery. For example, wisdom teeth.

Scientists call these kinds of things vestigial traits. While some people say it is an important part of our anatomy—there are some ligaments and muscles that attach to it—others say the tailbone is on its way out. While we may have different ideas about it, only time will tell if the tailbone will stick around. Search for:. Videos Activities Podcasts. The depressor labii inferioris muscle is a four-sided facial muscle located in the jaw area that draws the lower lip down and to the side.

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