Spinal Column

General Information

5 regions and 31 vertebrae: Cervical region (7 vertebrae C1-C7) Thoracic region (12 vertebrae T1-T12) Lumbar region (5 vertebrae L1-L5) Sacrum (5 fused vertebrae S1-S4) Coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)

General Structure

General Structure (cont…) Body: help provide important support for sitting, standing, walking and

other movements. Vertebrate arch: connect with the body, processes and create vertebral

foramen. Spinous process: attachment of vertebral musculature and ligaments. Transverse process: function as the site of attachment for muscles and

ligaments of the spine as well as the point of articulation of the ribs (in the thoracic spine).

Superior articular process and inferior articular process are connected to each other to continuously to link the spine together

Vertebral foramen: spinal cord and nerve root will pass through Intervertebral foramen: passage of the spinal nerves and intervertebral

arteries which supply the roots and spinal cord. Intervertebral disc: separate and cushion each vertebra in the spine, keeping the bones from rubbing together.

Spinal Shape

An adult spine has a natural S-shaped curve. The neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar) regions have a slight concave curve, and the thoracic and sacral regions have a gentle convex curve. These curves help support the head and provides strength, flexibility and provides super shock absorbing abilities.

Cervical Spine

Cervical Spine

Characteristics: Most mobilized part of the spine. Lack of or flat vertebral body. Appear of Atlas (C1) and Axis

(C2). Appear of  transverse foramen in

each vertebra for the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain.

Note: C1 serves as a ring or washer that the skull rests upon and articulates in a pivot joint with the dens of C2. Approximately 50% of flexion extension of the neck happens between the occiput and C1; 50% of the rotation of the neck happens between C1 and C2.

Cervical Spine

Functions and roles: Housing and protecting the spinal cord Supporting the head and its movement Facilitating flow of blood to the brain Provide attachment for the muscle and ligament.

Thoracic Spine

Thoracic Spine

Characteristics: Unique function on the transverse process with the

appear of costal facets Longest spine Heart-shaped and thick vertebral body. Limited flexibility Thinner intervertebral discs. Narrower spinal canal.

Thoracic Spine

Functions and Roles: Housing and protecting the spinal cord. Provide a stable attachment to the ribs. Provide limited protection to body visceral organs. Maintain posture and gait in mobility. Provide attachment for the muscle and ligament.

Lumbar Spine

Lumbar Spine

Characteristics: Kidney-shape, broader, thicker vertebral body. House only little portion of spinal cord (L1),

but entire portion of cauda equina. C-shape curve structure

Lumbar Spine

Functions and roles: Support the weight of the entire torso. Considerable rotation, so that the pelvis and hips

may swing when walking and running. Provide attachment for the muscle and ligament. Protect and support the spinal cord and spinal nerves