What are the main functions of the vertebral column?

The vertebral column serves several key roles: it forms the central axis of the trunk, supports body weight and transmits it to the pelvis and lower limbs, acts as a shock-absorber via intervertebral discs, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment sites for muscles, ribs, and girdles.

How many vertebrae are in the vertebral column, and what are the regions?

The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae divided into five regions: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused), and 4 coccygeal (fused). The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae are movable, while the sacral and coccygeal are fused.

What are the parts of a typical vertebra?

A typical vertebra, best seen in the mid-thoracic region, includes the body (weight-bearing anterior part), vertebral arch (encloses the vertebral foramen), spinous process (projects posteriorly for muscle leverage), transverse processes (project laterally for muscle attachment), and articular processes (form zygapophyseal joints to guide movement).

What are the key features of different vertebral regions?

Each region has distinct characteristics: cervical vertebrae have a foramen transversarium for the vertebral artery, with atlas (C1) lacking a body and axis (C2) having an odontoid process; thoracic vertebrae have facets for rib articulation; lumbar vertebrae have large kidney-shaped bodies with processes; the sacrum is a triangular fused bone; and the coccyx is a rudimentary tailbone.

What are intervertebral discs made of, and what is their function?

Intervertebral discs consist of an outer annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring) and an inner nucleus pulposus (gelatinous core). They act as hydraulic cushions to absorb shock and adapt to load changes during movement.

What are the curvatures of the vertebral column, and how do they develop?

The adult vertebral column has four curvatures: primary curvatures (thoracic and sacral) are concave anteriorly and present from fetal life, while secondary curvatures (cervical and lumbar) are convex anteriorly and develop after birth as the infant lifts its head and assumes upright posture.

What movements does the vertebral column allow?

The vertebral column enables three main types of movement: flexion and extension (most prominent in cervical and lumbar regions), lateral flexion (side bending, also more in cervical and lumbar areas), and rotation (most free in the thoracic region due to vertical zygapophyseal joints).

What are some common clinical conditions related to the vertebral column?

Common conditions include disc prolapse (herniation compressing nerve roots, often at L4/L5 or L5/S1), abnormal curvatures (such as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), whiplash injury (rapid flexion-extension of the cervical spine causing pain), and cervical spondylosis (degeneration leading to neck stiffness and nerve pain).

Vertebral Column (Spine) – Vertebrae, Curves & Discs

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