What is the coccyx and where is it located?

The coccyx, commonly called the tailbone, is a small triangular bone at the end of the vertebral column. It is formed by the fusion of typically four rudimentary vertebrae and can be palpated in the natal cleft.

How many vertebrae make up the coccyx?

The coccyx is usually formed by the fusion of four coccygeal vertebrae, but this number can vary from three to five.

What are the key anatomical features of the coccyx?

Key features include the base (articulates with the sacrum), apex (lower tip near the anal orifice), pelvic and dorsal surfaces (for muscle and ligament attachments), and lateral margins (attach to pelvic ligaments like the sacrotuberous ligament).

What muscles and ligaments attach to the coccyx?

Attachments include muscles like gluteus maximus, sphincter ani externus, coccygeus, and levator ani, and ligaments such as sacrotuberous, sacrospinous, and anococcygeal ligaments.

Coccydynia is pain in the coccygeal region, often caused by trauma such as a fall on the tailbone, which may lead to separation from the sacrum.

How does the coccyx relate to other pelvic structures?

The coccyx is closely related anteriorly to the rectum and pelvic muscles like coccygeus, posteriorly to muscles such as gluteus maximus, and superiorly it articulates with the sacrum at the sacrococcygeal joint.

What is the clinical significance of the coccyx?

Clinically, the coccyx is significant for conditions like coccydynia (tailbone pain from trauma) and serves as an attachment site for pelvic muscles and ligaments that support bowel and pelvic floor function.

Coccyx (Tailbone) – Anatomy, Attachments & Pain

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