What is the coccyx commonly known as?

The coccyx is anatomically referred to as the tailbone, which is a small, triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column. It is formed by the fusion of typically four vertebrae and serves various functions, including providing attachment for muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as supporting the pelvic organs. The term tailbone arises because of its resemblance to the tail of an animal, which reflects its evolutionary remnants. Unlike the spine, which encompasses the entire vertebral column, or the cervical vertebrae, which are a specific section of the spine in the neck region, the coccyx specifically designates the small bony structure at the end of the spine. The pelvis is a broader term that describes the bony structure connecting the vertebral column to the femurs, which does not specifically refer to the coccyx either. Therefore, the tailbone is the most accurate and commonly recognized name for the coccyx.