Coccygeal glomus

Coccygeal Glomus

The coccygeal glomus, also known as the coccygeal body or glomus coccygeum, is a small cluster of vascular tissue located near the coccyx, the terminal segment of the vertebral column. This structure is part of the paraganglia system, which includes various small bodies associated with the autonomic nervous system.

Diagram of the coccygeal glomus location

Anatomy

The coccygeal glomus is situated in the region of the sacrococcygeal joint, where the sacrum meets the coccyx. It is typically found in the connective tissue surrounding the coccygeal artery, a branch of the median sacral artery. The glomus is composed of a network of capillaries and specialized cells known as glomus cells, which are similar to those found in the carotid body and other paraganglia.

Function

The precise function of the coccygeal glomus is not fully understood. However, it is believed to play a role in the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure in the region. The glomus may also be involved in chemoreception, similar to other paraganglia, responding to changes in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Clinical Significance

The coccygeal glomus is generally not associated with any specific disease or disorder. However, it can occasionally be involved in glomus tumors, which are rare, usually benign neoplasms that arise from glomus cells. These tumors can cause local pain or discomfort, particularly if they compress nearby structures.

Related Structures

The coccygeal glomus is part of the broader system of paraganglia, which includes:

• Carotid body
• Aortic body
• Jugular glomus
• Tympanic glomus

Related Pages

• Coccyx
• Paraganglia
• Glomus tumor
• Autonomic nervous system