What is the connection between homeotic and homeobox (Hox) genes?

Homeotic genes specify the anterior-posterior axis and segment identity during early development of metazoan organisms. They are critical for the proper placement and number of embryonic segment structures (such as legs, antennae and eyes). Homeotic genes are defined by a DNA sequence known as the homeobox, which is a sequence of 180 nucleotides that codes for a protein domain known as the homeodomain.