is a marvel of human anatomy, supporting our entire body and protecting the . It's divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each with unique characteristics that allow for different functions and movements.
Our spine isn't just a straight line - it has curves that develop as we grow. These curves help us absorb shock, maintain balance, and distribute weight effectively. The vertebrae themselves have specific features that vary by region, working together with and ligaments to keep us upright and flexible.
Vertebral Column Anatomy
Regions of vertebral column
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Cervical region contains 7 (C1-C7) forms the neck and supports the skull
Thoracic region includes 12 (T1-T12) connects to the ribs and forms the upper back
Lumbar region has 5 (L1-L5) bears the weight of the upper body and allows for significant flexion and extension
Sacral region consists of 1 , formed by the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae (S1-S5), connects the spine to the hip bones
Coccygeal region includes 1 , made up of 3-5 fused coccygeal vertebrae, serves as an attachment point for pelvic floor muscles
Spinal curvatures from birth to adulthood
Primary curves are present at birth
is concave anteriorly and allows space for the heart and lungs
Sacral curve is concave anteriorly and provides stability for upright posture
Secondary curves develop during infancy and childhood
becomes convex anteriorly as an infant begins to hold their head up (around 3 months)
becomes convex anteriorly as a child starts to walk (around 12-18 months)
Spinal curves increase flexibility, absorb shock, distribute mechanical stress, and maintain balance and upright posture
Vertebral Structure and Function
Vertebrae features across spinal regions
are the smallest and lightest, have for vertebral arteries, and bifid spinous processes (except C7)
C1 () lacks a body and and articulates with the skull
C2 () has the () that pivots within C1 to allow for rotation of the head
are intermediate in size, have long, slender spinous processes angled inferiorly, and for rib articulation
are the largest and most massive, have short, thick, rectangular spinous processes, and lack transverse foramina and costal facets
Sacrum is triangular-shaped, formed by the fusion of 5 sacral vertebrae, and has for spinal nerve passage
is a small, triangular bone formed by the fusion of 3-5 coccygeal vertebrae and serves as an attachment site for pelvic floor muscles
Composition of intervertebral discs
is the tough, outer ring composed of concentric layers of fibrocartilage with collagen fibers arranged in alternating directions for strength
is the gelatinous core with a high water content that absorbs compressive forces
Intervertebral discs allow for flexibility, act as shock absorbers, maintain separation between vertebral bodies, and prevent nerve compression and excessive wear
Ligaments supporting vertebral column
runs along the anterior surface of vertebral bodies and limits hyperextension
runs along the posterior surface of vertebral bodies within the vertebral canal and limits hyperflexion
connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, is highly elastic, and aids in maintaining upright posture
connect the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae and limit flexion
connects the tips of the spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum and limits flexion
connect the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae and limit lateral flexion
Vertebral Components and Associated Structures
: The main weight-bearing portion of the vertebra
: Forms the posterior portion of the vertebra, enclosing the
: Allow for movement between adjacent vertebrae and guide spinal motion
Spinal cord: Passes through the vertebral canal formed by the vertebral arches
: Exit through intervertebral foramina, transmitting signals between the spinal cord and body