Tailbase

Tailbase is a term used in biology, anatomy, and engineering to describe the point at which a tail attaches to the main body. It is a descriptive rather than a formal anatomical label and is applied across natural and artificial systems to denote the junction between the trunk and tail. In scientific writing, more specific terms are often used for precision, such as coccygeal region in humans or proximal tail vertebrae in other animals, but tailbase remains a common shorthand in discussions of form and function.

In natural anatomy, the tailbase refers to the region at the beginning of the tail where it connects to the body. In humans, the tail is vestigial, represented by the coccyx or tailbone, and the surrounding area is the coccygeal region rather than a distinct movable tail base. In other vertebrates with functional tails, the tailbase includes the proximal tail segments and surrounding soft tissues, muscles, nerves, and vessels that support tail movement, posture, and balance.

In engineering, robotics, and computer animation, tailbase denotes the mounting point or hinge where a tail module attaches to the main body. The design and control of the tailbase influence balance, maneuverability, stability, and the range of motion of the tail, affecting locomotion, stabilization, and dynamic response.

Overall, tailbase is a cross-disciplinary term that identifies the body-tail junction, with context-specific terminology used in anatomy, paleontology, and mechanical design. See also coccyx, caudal region, and tail joint.