Human back
Human Back
The Human Back (pronunciation: /ˈhjuːmən bæk/) refers to the posterior aspect of the human body, extending from the neck and shoulders down to the buttocks. It is opposite to the chest and abdomen, and its primary functions are to provide support for the body and protect the spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "back" comes from the Old English bæc, from Proto-Germanic *bakam (compare Saterland Frisian Bäk, Dutch bak, and German Bach).
Anatomy
The human back is divided into the upper back, the middle back, and the lower back.
- The Upper Back is the region below the cervical spine (neck) and above the low back (lumbar spine). It includes the thoracic spine, which is made up of 12 levels of vertebrae, and the rib cage.
- The Middle Back is the region below the neck and above the abdomen. It includes the remaining thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar spine, which is made up of five levels of vertebrae.
- The Lower Back is the region below the rib cage and above the buttocks. It includes the rest of the lumbar spine, the sacrum, and the coccyx.
Related Terms
- Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue, which extends from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column.
- Vertebrae: The vertebrae are the individual bones that stack up to make the spine (backbone).
- Intervertebral Discs: These are the shock-absorbing pads located between vertebrae.
- Muscles of the Back: The back is supported by a complex group of muscles which are responsible for maintaining posture and movement.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Human back
- Wikipedia's article - Human back
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