Bones

VERTEBRAL COLUMN and VERTEBRAE

Vertebrae are the bones that form the vertebral column or backbone or spine. Vertebral column consists of 33vertebrae. The first 7 vertebrae in neck region are called as cervical vertebrae denoted as C1-C7. Next 12 vertebrae in the upper back are called as thoracic vertebrae. They form middle part of the vertebral column and denoted as T1-T12. Vertebrae present along the lower back are called as lumbar vertebrae. They form lower part of the vertebral column and are denoted as L1-L5. These are the largest and the widest vertebrae. The next five vertebrae are fused together to form a triangular bone called as sacrum. These vertebrae are called as sacral vertebrae. They are denoted as S1-S5. Sacral vertebrae are followed by usually four fused vertebrae. They form a tailbone or coccyx. Spine has 2 curves: A forward curve at the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) and a slight backward curve at the thoracic spine and sacral region. Each vertebra consists of a body, an opening through which spinal cord passes called as vertebral foramen, articular processes and articular facets. Vertebrae connect to each other to form the vertebral column.

Published December 21, 2021

Function

Vertebral column provides the shape to the body. It protects the spinal cord and supports the skull. It provides mobility and flexibility to the body. It facilitates bending of back or trunk in different directions; it helps for easy movement of rest of the body. Vertebrae provide attachment to muscles of the back.

Cervical vertebrae help to rotate the head from side to side and bending the head forwards and backwards. First two vertebrae are called as atlas and axis. They connect the spine to the skull.

Thoracic vertebrae provide attachment to the ribs. They help in side to side movement and twisting of body.

Lumbar vertebrae support the body weight.

Sacrum helps to support weight of the body. It helps to form pelvic cavity and provides protection to the important organs like urinary bladder, reproductive organs etc.

Disease/ injury/ fracture

Infections, injuries, tumors, spondylosis, scoliosis, stenosis, and herniated disc affect the vertebral column. Pain occurs in spinal diseases as a result of pressure on spinal nerves due to changes in the bones/vertebrae. They usually restrict the movement.

Interesting fact(s)

There are about 120 muscles, 220 ligaments and 100 joints which provide extreme flexibility and wide range of movement to the vertebral column.