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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.

    Vertebral Column

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.

    1. Overview

    The vertebral column, commonly known as the spine or backbone, is a flexible, segmented bony structure extending from the base of the skull to the pelvis. It forms the central axis of the skeleton, enclosing and protecting the spinal cord while supporting the head and trunk. Composed of 33 vertebrae in early life (typically 26 after fusion in adulthood), it is divided into distinct regions with specialized functions and curvatures.

    2. Location

    The vertebral column runs along the posterior midline of the body:

    • Superiorly: Begins at the base of the skull (occipital bone).

    • Inferiorly: Ends at the coccyx (tailbone), which is embedded in the pelvic floor.

    • Posterior to: The thoracic and abdominal cavities, and anterior to the spinous musculature.

    3. Structure

    The vertebral column consists of vertebrae grouped into five regions:

    • Cervical (C1–C7): 7 vertebrae; support the head and allow neck movement.

    • Thoracic (T1–T12): 12 vertebrae; articulate with ribs and form the thoracic cage.

    • Lumbar (L1–L5): 5 vertebrae; bear most of the body’s weight.

    • Sacral (S1–S5): 5 vertebrae fused into a single sacrum in adults.

    • Coccygeal (Co1–Co4/5): 3–5 vertebrae fused into the coccyx (tailbone).

    Key components of each vertebra:

    • Vertebral body: Anterior, weight-bearing portion.

    • Vertebral arch: Posterior part enclosing the spinal canal.

    • Processes: Spinous, transverse, and articular processes for muscle attachment and joint formation.

    • Intervertebral discs: Fibrocartilaginous pads between most vertebrae that absorb shock and allow mobility.

    4. Function

    The vertebral column has multiple critical functions:

    • Supports the body: Bears the weight of the head and trunk and transfers it to the pelvis and lower limbs.

    • Protects the spinal cord: Encloses and safeguards the spinal cord and spinal nerves within the vertebral canal.

    • Facilitates movement: Allows flexibility and motion, including bending, twisting, and rotation.

    • Serves as an attachment site: Provides anchoring points for muscles and ligaments involved in posture and movement.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to mechanical support, the vertebral column contributes to vital physiological processes:

    • Postural alignment: Maintains upright posture and balances head and trunk over the pelvis and feet.

    • Curvature distribution: The cervical and lumbar lordoses, and thoracic and sacral kyphoses, distribute mechanical stress during activity.

    • Neural integration: Facilitates safe passage and branching of spinal nerves essential for motor and sensory function throughout the body.

    • Spinal reflex coordination: Acts as a conduit for reflex arcs involving the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The vertebral column is involved in a wide range of clinical conditions:

    • Degenerative disc disease:

      • Age-related wear of intervertebral discs can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.

    • Herniated disc:

      • Protrusion of the nucleus pulposus may compress spinal nerves, causing radiculopathy (e.g., sciatica).

    • Spinal stenosis:

      • Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness.

    • Scoliosis:

      • Lateral curvature of the spine, often developing in adolescence, which may progress and impair respiratory function.

    • Fractures and trauma:

      • Vertebral fractures can result from trauma or osteoporosis, potentially leading to spinal cord injury or kyphotic deformity.

    • Infections and tumors:

      • Conditions like vertebral osteomyelitis or metastatic spread can compromise the vertebral integrity and neurological function.

    • Surgical interventions:

      • Procedures like laminectomy, spinal fusion, or vertebroplasty are performed to address structural and neurological issues.

    Did you know? Your skeleton is 5 times stronger than steel.