What is a mouse without a tail called? - briefly
A mouse lacking a tail is termed a tailless mouse. In laboratory research this label usually refers to the specific genetically engineered strain employed for physiological studies.
What is a mouse without a tail called? - in detail
A mouse that lacks a tail is commonly referred to as a tailless mouse. In laboratory settings the designation often appears as “tailless (tl) mouse,” referencing the genetic mutation that prevents normal tail development. The tl allele disrupts the expression of the T gene, which governs axial elongation during embryogenesis, resulting in a complete absence of the vertebral column segment that forms the tail.
Researchers use tailless mice to study developmental pathways, particularly those involving mesoderm formation and signaling gradients such as Wnt and FGF. Because the mutation produces a clear phenotypic outcome without affecting viability, the strain serves as a model for investigating the genetic control of body axis patterning.
Other informal descriptions include “tail‑less mouse” or “mouse without a tail.” When the tail is present but markedly shortened, the term “short‑tailed mouse” applies, often linked to different mutations such as the “short tail” (s) allele that reduces tail length rather than eliminating it entirely.
Key characteristics of a tailless mouse:
- Absence of vertebral elements constituting the caudal region.
- Normal forelimb and hindlimb morphology.
- No impact on basic locomotion; balance and gait remain comparable to tailed counterparts.
- Genetic confirmation through PCR or sequencing of the T gene locus.
In summary, the precise nomenclature for a mouse lacking a tail is “tailless mouse,” with the abbreviated form “tl mouse” used in scientific literature to denote the associated genetic mutation.