The |coccyx| (or "tailbone") is composed of three to five rudimentary |vertebrae|. Often, the first of these |coccygeal| |vertebrae| is separate, while the remainder are fused together. The articulation between the |coccygeal| |vertebrae| and the |sacrum| allow some flexibility in the |coccyx|, which is particularly beneficial in taking the stresses of sitting and falling. The |coccyx| is extremely susceptible to |shock| fracture, as might be induced from a fall. Furthermore, since a number of ~nerve~ pathways pass near this area, damage to the |coccyx| threatens damage to the ~nerves~ of the lower body. The juncture of the first |coccygeal| vertebra with the |sacrum| occurs at the lower ~facet~ of the |sacrum|.
