The human body is indeed a work of art. It is very complex and each of the parts that comprise the body has a specific use which makes it even more marvelous. One of the most important systems in the body is the skeletal system because it provides the framework and support for the other organs. The vertebral column is among the bony structures that provides support to the upper body of the human. This column is commonly referred to as the spine.
The bones that comprise this column holds a very important function and that is to protect the spinal column which basically sends and receives nerve impulses from the brain to the other organs of the body and vice versa. This is why people should know the spinal anatomy so that they can know how to protect their vertebral column from any possible injuries.
Vertebrae of the Spine
In a normal adult human being, the spine is not upright straight but it has curvatures that make it appear to take the shape of the letter “S”. This curvature helps the person hold the frame of the body in a straight fashion and it also helps in supporting the upper body weight. These curvatures are perfectly designed for walking in two legs and these are what make the spinal anatomy interesting. The vertebral column is comprised of 4 regions:
• The Cervical Spine. This part is in the neck area and is greatly responsible for keeping your head up. It is able to support the head weight and it is also tasked with the responsibility of keeping the nerves protected as they run from the brain to the lower portions of the spinal column. There are different bones that comprise the cervical spine and they are specifically shaped to match the next piece of bone until the skull. There are a total of 7 bones and they are labeled C1 to C7.
• The Thoracic Spine. The thoracic spine is the portion that supports the upper back. There are 12 vertebral bones that comprise this section and they are labeled T1 to T12. The thoracic spine is very important in the overall spinal anatomy because these bones are where your ribs are attached. Through the spine and the rib bones, it forms a cage that protects the most vital internal organs inside the chest.
• The Lumbar Spine. The lumbar spine is in the area of the lower back. As the lumbar spine curves, it helps the whole vertebral column to help support the weight of the back. Because of the weight that this portion is taking, a lot of injuries take place here as well. Lower back pain is very common and this is caused by straining the muscles of the lumbar curvature. There are 5 bones in this segment.
• The Sacral Region. The sacrum and the coccyx comprise this segment and they are the tail of the vertebral column. The bones in this are specifically shaped to fit between the pelvises.