Feb 06, 2020 · The vertebral column is divided into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. Step-by-step explanation These are important because they correspond to the sections of the human vertebral column.
It consists of a sequence of vertebrae (singular = vertebra), each of which is separated and united by an intervertebral disc. Together, the vertebrae and intervertebral discs form the vertebral column. It is a flexible column that supports the head, …
Nov 22, 2012 · The vertebral body joints are cartilaginous joints, designed for weight-bearing. The articular surfaces are covered by hyaline cartilage, and are connected by the intervertebral disc. Two ligaments strengthen the vertebral body joints: the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, which run the full length of the vertebral column. The anterior longitudinal ligament …
2. The vertebral column provides attachments to muscles, supports the trunk, protects the spinal cord and nerve roots and serves as a site for haemopoiesis. It protects your spinal cord and surrounding structures, provides the foundation for your posture, and it …
It is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord, which passes down the back through openings in the vertebrae. Figure 1. Vertebral Column. The adult vertebral column consists of 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx.
A typical vertebra will consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven processes (Figure 4).
The cause is usually unknown, but it may result from weakness of the back muscles, defects such as differential growth rates in the right and left sides of the vertebral column, or differences in the length of the lower limbs. When present, scoliosis tends to get worse during adolescent growth spurts.
The vertebral column is also known as the spinal column or spine (Figure 1). It consists of a sequence of vertebrae (singular = vertebra), each of which is separated and united by an intervertebral disc. Together, the vertebrae and intervertebral discs form the vertebral column.
In the neck, there are seven cervical vertebrae, each designated with the letter “C” followed by its number. Superiorly, the C1 vertebra articulates (forms a joint) with the occipital condyles of the skull. Inferiorly, C1 articulates with the C2 vertebra, and so on. Below these are the 12 thoracic vertebrae, designated T1–T12. The lower back contains the L1–L5 lumbar vertebrae. The single sacrum, which is also part of the pelvis, is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. Similarly, the coccyx, or tailbone, results from the fusion of four small coccygeal vertebrae. However, the sacral and coccygeal fusions do not start until age 20 and are not completed until middle age.
Disorders associated with the curvature of the spine include kyphosis (an excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic region), lordosis (an excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar region), and scoliosis (an abnormal, lateral curvature, accompanied by twisting of the vertebral column).
It is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae, a process that does not begin until after the age of 20. On the anterior surface of the older adult sacrum, the lines of vertebral fusion can be seen as four transverse ridges. On the posterior surface, running down the midline, is the median sacral crest, a bumpy ridge that is the remnant of the fused spinous processes (median = “midline”; while medial = “toward, but not necessarily at, the midline”). Similarly, the fused transverse processes of the sacral vertebrae form the lateral sacral crest.
The vertebral column has four main functions: Protection – encloses and protects the spinal cord within the spinal canal. Support – carries the weight of the body above the pelvis. Axis – forms the central axis of the body. Movement – has roles in both posture and movement.
The vertebral column is a series of approximately 33 bones called vertebrae, which are separated by intervertebral discs. The column can be divided into five different regions, with each region characterised by a different vertebral structure.
Lumbar Vertebrae. There are five lumbar vertebrae in most humans, which are the largest in the vertebral column. They are structurally specialised to support the weight of the torso. Lumbar vertebrae have very large vertebral bodies, which are kidney shaped.
The intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous cylinder that lies between the vertebrae, joining them together. They permit the flexibility of the spine, and act as shock absorbers. In the lumbar and thoracic regions, they are wedge – shaped – supporting the curvature of the spine.
The sacrum is a collection of five fused vertebrae. It is described as an inverted triangle, with the apex pointing inferiorly. On the lateral walls of the sacrum are facets for articulation with the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints.
Transverse foramina – an opening in each transverse process, through which the vertebral arteries travel to the brain. Triangular vertebral foramen. Two cervical vertebrae that are unique. C1 and C2 (called the atlas and axis respectively), are specialised to allow for the movement of the head.
The coccyx is a small bone which articulates with the apex of the sacrum. It is recognised by its lack of vertebral arches. Due to the lack of vertebral arches, there is no vertebral canal. Separation of S1 from the sacrum is termed “lumbarisation”, while fusion of L5 to the sacrum is termed “sacralisation”.