Muscles
The tailbone is connected to several muscles in the body. One of these muscles is the levator ani, which is a broad and thin muscle located on both sides of the pelvis. It attaches to the front part of the coccyx. The levator ani is composed of three smaller muscles, namely the iliococcygeus, the pubococcygeus, and the puborectalis. Both the iliococcygeus and the pubococcygeus muscles connect to the coccyx. Additionally, the coccygeus muscle is also attached to the coccyx. Together, the levator ani and the coccygeus form the pelvic diaphragm, which plays an important role in supporting the pelvic organs. On the backside of the coccyx, there is a point of attachment for the gluteus maximus, a large muscle that aids in thigh extension.
Functions of Ligaments in the Tailbone
Aside from serving as a point of attachment for muscles, the tailbone, also known as the coccyx, plays a crucial role in connecting various ligaments. Two important ligaments, namely the anterior and posterior sacrococcygeal ligaments, extend and attach to the coccyx. These ligaments are continuations of the ones that span along the spine. Another set of ligaments, called the lateral sacrococcygeal ligaments, originate from the lower region of the sacrum and provide stability to the joint where the sacrum and coccyx meet. Additionally, certain fibers of the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments also connect to the coccyx, contributing to its overall strength and support.