Caudally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caudally

[ˈkɔː.dəl.i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

anatomy position

Caudally refers to a direction or position in relation to the tail end of the body or organism. In anatomical terms, it denotes movement or location towards the tail or posterior end. This term is often used in medical or biological contexts to describe relative positions in animals or human bodies. It is the opposite of 'cranially', which refers to a direction towards the head.

Synonyms

posteriorly, toward the tail.

Examples of usage

  • The spinal cord runs caudally from the brain.
  • In a fetus, the legs develop caudally.
  • The injury was located caudally to the affected vertebrae.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • In human anatomy, the lower end of the spine is the caudal area, leading to the tailbone.
  • Certain animals, like cats and dogs, display caudal movement when they wag their tails.
  • In terms of embryology, structures develop caudally as the embryo forms and differentiates.

Science

  • In neuroscience, certain nerves project caudally from the spine to influence movement.
  • Fish and some reptiles have a prominent caudal fin that assists with swimming efficiency.
  • Research in evolutionary biology examines how tail structures have adapted in various species over time.

Pop Culture

  • The movement towards the caudal end is often illustrated in animations of reptilian or aquatic characters, emphasizing their tails.
  • In children's cartoons, anthropomorphic characters with visible tails often have noticeable 'caudal' expressions, like excitement or worry when they shake their tails.

Architecture

  • Some buildings designed for animal care, like veterinary hospitals, incorporate areas that are caudally arranged to allow for better handling of animals in cages.
  • In landscaping, paths may be designed caudally from a central point to mirror the flow of animal movements in various habitats.

Origin of 'caudally'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'caudal' comes from the Latin word 'cauda,' which means 'tail.'
  • It was first used in English in the late 19th century to describe anatomical directions in animals.
  • In anatomy, 'caudally' is often used in contrast to 'cranially,' which refers to the head end.

The term 'caudally' is derived from the Latin word 'cauda', which means ‘tail’. In anatomical language, it has been adopted to describe positions relative to the tail end of vertebrates, including humans. The use of such directional terms in anatomy assists in providing an accurate description of the location of structures in relation to one another. The incorporation of 'caudally' into modern medical terminology reflects the necessity for precision in the field of anatomy and medicine. Over time, this term has solidified its place in scientific literature and educational materials, helping students and professionals communicate effectively about the physical orientation of biological entities.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,469 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.