The bone located at the very bottom of your spine, often felt between your buttocks, is called the coccyx. It's more commonly known as the tailbone.
Understanding the Coccyx (Tailbone)
The coccyx is a small, triangular bone situated below the sacrum. It's the final section of the vertebral column in humans and apes.
Key Facts About Your Tailbone
Based on information from the reference, here are some important points about your tailbone:
- Location: It is located at the very bottom of your spine.
- Composition: It consists of three to five fused vertebrae (bones). Unlike the individual bones higher up the spine, these are typically joined together into a single structure in adults.
- Function: Your tailbone performs several essential jobs. When you sit down, it plays a crucial role in helping to steady you and support your weight.
Why is it Called the Tailbone?
The name "tailbone" comes from the fact that the coccyx is a remnant of the tail vertebrates found in many other animals. While humans don't have an external tail, the coccyx is homologous to that structure.
Practical Role in Daily Life
Its role in support when sitting is perhaps its most noticeable function in day-to-day life. When you sit on a hard surface, you can often feel the coccyx supporting some of your weight.
