What it means
The last bone of the spine, made of three to five small bones that fuse together. It sits just below the sacrumSAY-krumThe large, triangle-shaped bone at the base of the spine, between the two hip bones.sacr/o sacrumFull entry . Many muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor attach to it. A fall onto the buttocks can bruise or break it, which makes sitting painful.
For the nurse
The skin over the coccyx and sacrum is one of the most common places for pressure injuries in a client who lies on the back or sits for long periods. Check it every shift, keep it clean and dry, and turn the client at least every 2 hours.
At a glance
| Everyday words | tailbone |
|---|---|
| Spanish | cóccix |
| Also written | coccygeal |
Related terms
spinal cord
The long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.
sacrum
The large, triangle-shaped bone at the base of the spine, between the two hip bones.
skeletal
Having to do with the skeleton, the framework of bones that supports the body.