Definition of Caudal

Caudal: An anatomic term meaning 1. Pertaining to the tail or the hind part. 2. Situated in or directed toward the tail or hind part. 3. Inferior to another structure, in the sense of being below it.

Caudal is also short for caudal epidural anesthesia.

The terms caudal and caudad are both derived from the Latin cauda, tail. For a more complete listing of terms used in medicine for spatial orientation, please see the entry to "Anatomic Orientation Terms".