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{{Short description|Anatomical structure of the vertebral column}} | |||
The '''spinal column''', also known as the '''vertebral column''' or '''backbone''', is a complex structure | The '''spinal column''', also known as the '''vertebral column''' or '''backbone''', is a complex structure that provides support and flexibility to the human body. It is a central feature of the axial skeleton and plays a crucial role in protecting the [[spinal cord]], supporting the head, and serving as an attachment point for ribs and muscles. | ||
== | ==Anatomy of the Spinal Column== | ||
The spinal column is composed of 33 vertebrae, which are divided into five distinct regions: | |||
The spinal column is divided into five regions: | |||
===Cervical Spine=== | ===Cervical Spine=== | ||
[[File:Cervical vertebrae lateral2.png|thumb|right|Cervical vertebrae]] | |||
The cervical spine | The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) located in the neck. The first two vertebrae, the [[atlas (C1)]] and [[axis (C2)]], are specialized to allow for a wide range of head movements. The cervical spine supports the skull and enables nodding and rotation of the head. | ||
===Thoracic Spine=== | ===Thoracic Spine=== | ||
[[File:Gray90.png|thumb|left|Thoracic vertebrae]] | |||
The thoracic spine is located in the | The thoracic spine is made up of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12) and is located in the upper and mid-back. Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs, forming the rib cage that protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical spine due to the rib attachments. | ||
===Lumbar Spine=== | ===Lumbar Spine=== | ||
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5) in the lower back. These vertebrae are larger and stronger than those in the cervical and thoracic regions, as they bear the weight of the upper body and provide stability and flexibility for movements such as bending and twisting. | |||
The lumbar spine | |||
===Sacrum=== | ===Sacrum=== | ||
The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae (S1-S5). It connects the spine to the [[pelvis]] and forms the posterior part of the pelvic girdle. The sacrum is a key structure in transferring weight from the upper body to the lower limbs. | |||
The | ===Coccyx=== | ||
The coccyx, or tailbone, is composed of three to five fused vertebrae. It is the remnant of a vestigial tail and serves as an attachment point for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor. | |||
== | ==Function of the Spinal Column== | ||
The spinal column serves several vital functions: | |||
* '''Protection''': It encases and protects the spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system. | |||
* '''Support''': It provides structural support for the body, allowing humans to stand upright and maintain balance. | |||
* '''Movement''': It enables a wide range of movements, including bending, twisting, and rotating. | |||
* '''Shock Absorption''': Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers, cushioning the vertebrae during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. | |||
== | ==Intervertebral Discs== | ||
[[File:Gray301.png|thumb|right|Intervertebral disc]] | |||
Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions located between adjacent vertebrae. Each disc consists of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. These discs allow for flexibility and act as shock absorbers, distributing loads across the spine. | |||
==Common Disorders of the Spinal Column== | |||
Several conditions can affect the spinal column, including: | |||
* '''[[Herniated disc]]''': Occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus, potentially compressing nearby nerves. | |||
* '''[[Scoliosis]]''': A lateral curvature of the spine that can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. | |||
* '''[[Osteoporosis]]''': A condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures in the vertebrae. | |||
* '''[[Spinal stenosis]]''': Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms. | |||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Spinal cord]] | |||
* [[Intervertebral disc]] | |||
* [[Scoliosis]] | |||
* [[Osteoporosis]] | |||
[[Category:Anatomy]] | [[Category:Anatomy]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Musculoskeletal system]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:41, 18 February 2025
Anatomical structure of the vertebral column
The spinal column, also known as the vertebral column or backbone, is a complex structure that provides support and flexibility to the human body. It is a central feature of the axial skeleton and plays a crucial role in protecting the spinal cord, supporting the head, and serving as an attachment point for ribs and muscles.
Anatomy of the Spinal Column[edit]
The spinal column is composed of 33 vertebrae, which are divided into five distinct regions:
Cervical Spine[edit]
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) located in the neck. The first two vertebrae, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), are specialized to allow for a wide range of head movements. The cervical spine supports the skull and enables nodding and rotation of the head.
Thoracic Spine[edit]
The thoracic spine is made up of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12) and is located in the upper and mid-back. Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs, forming the rib cage that protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs. The thoracic spine is less mobile than the cervical spine due to the rib attachments.
Lumbar Spine[edit]
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5) in the lower back. These vertebrae are larger and stronger than those in the cervical and thoracic regions, as they bear the weight of the upper body and provide stability and flexibility for movements such as bending and twisting.
Sacrum[edit]
The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae (S1-S5). It connects the spine to the pelvis and forms the posterior part of the pelvic girdle. The sacrum is a key structure in transferring weight from the upper body to the lower limbs.
Coccyx[edit]
The coccyx, or tailbone, is composed of three to five fused vertebrae. It is the remnant of a vestigial tail and serves as an attachment point for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.
Function of the Spinal Column[edit]
The spinal column serves several vital functions:
- Protection: It encases and protects the spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system.
- Support: It provides structural support for the body, allowing humans to stand upright and maintain balance.
- Movement: It enables a wide range of movements, including bending, twisting, and rotating.
- Shock Absorption: Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers, cushioning the vertebrae during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
Intervertebral Discs[edit]
Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions located between adjacent vertebrae. Each disc consists of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. These discs allow for flexibility and act as shock absorbers, distributing loads across the spine.
Common Disorders of the Spinal Column[edit]
Several conditions can affect the spinal column, including:
- Herniated disc: Occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus, potentially compressing nearby nerves.
- Scoliosis: A lateral curvature of the spine that can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility.
- Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures in the vertebrae.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms.
