caudal vertebra
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- One of the small, fused bones at the base of the spinal column: A "caudal vertebra" is one of the individual segments that make up the coccyx, or tailbone, in humans. These are the final vertebrae in the vertebral column.
Usage
- The term "caudal vertebra" is used in anatomical and medical contexts to describe the specific bones of the coccyx. It is a technical term.
- Example: "The fracture involved the most inferior caudal vertebra."
- Example: "In humans, the three to five caudal vertebrae are fused together to form the coccyx."
Advanced Usage
- Comparative anatomy: In many other vertebrates, especially those with tails, the caudal vertebrae are numerous and form the skeletal structure of the tail.
- Example: "The dinosaur's long tail was composed of over forty caudal vertebrae."
Variants and Related Words
- Coccyx (noun): The small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes, formed by the fusion of several caudal vertebrae.
- Caudal (adjective): Relating to or situated near the tail or the posterior part of the body.
- Vertebra (noun): Any of the individual bones or segments that form the spinal column.
Synonyms
- Coccygeal vertebra: A direct synonym, also meaning a vertebra of the coccyx.
Related Phrases
- Caudal fin: The tail fin of a fish or aquatic mammal. (Note: This is a related anatomical term using "caudal" but refers to a different structure).
- Caudal anesthesia: A type of regional anesthesia injected near the caudal vertebrae.
Noun
- one of 4 vertebrae in the human coccyx