Definition

1. 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

1. one of 4 vertebrae in the human coccyx