OPTION 1

•            The vertebral column is a curved linkage of individual bones or vertebrae.

•            A continuous series of vertebral foramina runs through the articulated vertebrae posterior to their bodies, and collectively constitutes the vertebral canal, which transmits and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots, their coverings and vasculature.

•            A series of paired lateral intervertebral foramina transmits the spinal nerves and their associated vessels between adjacent vertebrae.

•            The linkages between the vertebrae include cartilaginous interbody joints and paired synovial facet (zygapophysial) joints, together with a complex of ligaments and overlying muscles and fasciae.

•            The muscles directly concerned with vertebral movements and attached to the column lie mainly posteriorly.

•            The adult vertebral column usually consists of 33 vertebral segments.

•            Each presacral segment (except the first two cervical) is separated from its neighbor by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc.

 

 

The Human Spine:

 

33 – The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae

26 – Adults only have 26 vertebrae because bones fuse as we age

7 – There are 7 vertebrae in the necks of humans and giraffes

5 – There are 5 spinal cord regions:

7 cervical vertebrae

12 thoracic vertebrae

5 lumbar vertebrae

5 sacrum fused vertebrae 4 coccyx fused vertebrae

4 – The 4 coccyx vertebrae fuse together to form the tail bone

3 – Spine has 3 important functions:

•            Movement of the trunk

•            Support for body and respiratory function

•            Protect the spinal cord and nerve structures