It may come as a surprise, but some humans are born with tails. While it is rare, this condition is known as "human tail" or "caudal appendage." The tail may be small and look like a bump or can be as long as 13cm. The tail can be found anywhere along the spine, but the most common location is at the bottom of the spine, near the buttocks.
Causes of Human Tail
The main cause of human tail is a genetic mutation. It is believed that the mutation occurs during embryonic development, where the tailbone fails to fuse with the rest of the spine. This mutation is not inherited, and there is no known link between human tail and any specific gene or family history. Another cause of human tail is a teratoma, a type of tumor that can grow at the base of the spine and contain various types of tissue, including hair, teeth, and bone.
Types of Human Tail
There are two types of human tail: true tails and pseudotails. True tails are an extension of the spine and contain bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue. They can move independently and may even have some control over them. On the other hand, pseudotails are just a fatty deposit or skin tag and do not contain any bone or cartilage.
How Common is Human Tail?
Human tail is extremely rare, occurring in only one in every 10,000 births. It is more common in males than females, and there is no known racial or ethnic preference. Most cases of human tail are diagnosed at birth, but some can go unnoticed until later in life. The human tail is usually harmless and does not cause any health problems. However, if the tail is large or painful, it may require medical attention.
Myths About Human Tail
There are many myths about human tail that have been circulating for centuries. One of the most common myths is that the tail is a sign of a person's spiritual or supernatural powers. This is not true, and human tail has no connection to any spiritual or supernatural powers. Another myth is that the tail can be used as a third arm or leg. This is also not true, as the tail does not have the same dexterity or strength as an arm or leg.
What Happens to Human Tail?
In most cases, the human tail does not require any treatment and can be left alone. However, if the tail is causing pain or discomfort, it may need to be surgically removed. The surgery is relatively simple and involves cutting the tail at the base and stitching the wound. The recovery time is usually quick, and there are no long-term complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, humans born with tails are rare, but it does happen. The condition is caused by a genetic mutation or a teratoma and can be classified into two types: true tails and pseudotails. The human tail is usually harmless and does not require any treatment. However, if it is causing pain or discomfort, it may need to be surgically removed. Despite the many myths surrounding human tail, it has no connection to any spiritual or supernatural powers.