spine anatomy
A fundamental understanding of the spine's anatomy and its functions is very essential for patients with spinal disorders. This write-up offers a straightforward overview of the spine's remarkable and complicated anatomy. It begins by supplying a "large picture" of the functions of the spine, its regions, and main curves. This is followed by detailed info on specific anatomic elements such as vertebral structures, intervertebral discs, the spinal cord and nerve roots, joints, muscles and ligaments.
spine anatomy
Functions of the Spine
The 3 primary functions of the spine are to:
Safeguard the spinal cord, nerve roots and a number of of the body's internal organs.
Offer structural support and balance to preserve an upright posture.
Allow flexible motion.
Movements
Usually, the spine is divided into four primary regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. Every region has specific characteristics and functions.
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Cervical Spine
The neck region of the spine is recognized as the Cervical Spine. This region consists of seven vertebrae, which are abbreviated C1 via C7 (top to bottom). These vertebrae safeguard the brain stem and the spinal cord, support the skull, and permit for a wide range of head movement.
spine anatomy
The initial cervical vertebra (C1) is known as the Atlas. The Atlas is ring-shaped and it supports the skull. C2 is known as the Axis. It is circular in shape with a blunt peg-like structure (known as the Odontoid Procedure or "dens") that projects upward into the ring of the Atlas. Together, the Atlas and Axis allow the head to rotate and turn.
The other cervical vertebrae (C3 via C7) are shaped like boxes with little spinous processes (finger-like projections) that extend from the back of the vertebrae.
Thoracic Spine
Beneath the last cervical vertebra are the 12 vertebrae of the Thoracic Spine. These are abbreviated T1 via T12 (top to bottom). T1 is the smallest and T12 is the largest thoracic vertebra. The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical bones and have longer spinous processes.
In addition to longer spinous processes, rib attachments add to the thoracic spine's strength. These structures make the thoracic spine much more stable than the cervical or lumbar regions. In addition, the rib cage and ligament systems limit the thoracic spine's range of motion and safeguard numerous important organs.
spine anatomy
Lumbar Spine
The Lumbar Spine has five vertebrae abbreviated L1 via L5 (largest). The size and shape of every lumbar vertebra is created to carry most of the body's weight. Every structural element of a lumbar vertebra is larger, wider and broader than comparable components in the cervical and thoracic regions.
spine anatomy
The lumbar spine has much more range of motion than the thoracic spine, but much less than the cervical spine. The lumbar facet joints permit for substantial flexion and extension movement but limit rotation.
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Sacral Spine
The Sacrum is situated behind the pelvis. Five bones (abbreviated S1 via S5) fused into a triangular shape, form the sacrum. The sacrum fits between the two hipbones connecting the spine to the pelvis. The last lumbar vertebra (L5) articulates (moves) with the sacrum.
Instantly below the sacrum are five extra bones, fused together to form the Coccyx (tailbone).
The Pelvis and the Skull
Even though not usually viewed as component of the spine, the pelvis and the skull are anatomic structures that closely inter-relate with the spine, and have a substantial impact on the patient's balance.
spine anatomy
Spinal Planes
To assist further comprehend and describe the anatomy, spine specialists frequently refer to specific body planes. A body plane is an imaginary flat, two-dimensional surface that is utilized to define a specific region of anatomy.
spine anatomy