Have you ever heard of people being born with tails? It may sound strange, but it does happen. In fact, it is a rare medical condition known as human tail or coccygeal appendage. Let's explore this fascinating yet unusual phenomenon.
What is a Human Tail?
A human tail is a protrusion of skin and bone that extends from the lower back of a newborn baby. It is usually small and harmless, measuring less than 5 cm in length. However, in some cases, it can grow longer and become a cause for concern.
Causes of Human Tail
The exact cause of human tail is not known. However, it is believed to be a result of atavism, a genetic throwback to an earlier evolutionary stage. It is also associated with other congenital anomalies such as spina bifida and sacral agenesis.
Types of Human Tail
There are two types of human tail – true and false. A true human tail contains vertebrae and nerves and is a continuation of the spine. A false human tail, on the other hand, is made up of fatty tissue and skin and does not have any bone or nerve structure.
Medical Complications
In most cases, a human tail is harmless and does not cause any medical problems. However, in some rare cases, it can lead to complications such as infections, bleeding, and difficulty sitting or lying down. In such cases, surgical removal of the tail may be necessary.
Cultural Significance
Human tail has been a subject of fascination and myth in many cultures. In some cultures, it is considered a sign of good luck, while in others, it is seen as a curse. There are also stories of people with tails possessing supernatural powers and abilities.
Famous People With Tails
There have been several reported cases of people born with tails. One of the most famous cases is that of a boy born in India in 2014 with a 13 cm long tail. There have also been cases of adults with tails, such as Chang Tzu Ping, a Chinese man who had a 30 cm long tail.
Conclusion
Although rare, human tail is a fascinating yet unusual medical condition. It is believed to be a genetic throwback to an earlier evolutionary stage and is usually harmless. However, in some cases, it can lead to medical complications and require surgical removal. Regardless of its medical implications, human tail has a cultural significance and has been a subject of fascination and myth for centuries.