Tailbone

Definition

The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and certain other primates. It's a vestigial structure, meaning it's a remnant of an organ or structure that had a function in our evolutionary past.

Related terms

Vestigial Structures:

These are structures that have no apparent function and appear to be residual parts from a past ancestor.

Spinal Column: This is the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; also known as backbone.

Evolution:

This is a process that results in heritable changes in population spread over many generations leading to diversity of organisms on earth.