Vertebral column : Parts of the body

                         

                                         

The vertebral column also known as the backbone or spine is part of the axial 

skeleton.The vertebral column houses the spinal canal, a cavity that encloses and 

protects the spinal cord. 

In human vertebral column there are normally 33 vertebrae, the upper 24 are articulating 

and separated from each other by Inter-vertebral discus, and the lower 9 are fused in 

adults.The articulating vertebrae are named according to their region of the spine. There 

are seven cervical vertebrae , 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumbar vertebrae. 

Cervical spine : 7 vertebrae ( C1-C7)

Thoracic spine : 12 vertebrae ( T1-T12)

Lumbar spine : 5 vertebrae (L1-L5)

Sacrum : 5 (fused) vertebrae (S1-S5)

Coccyx : 4 (3-5)(fused) vertebrae (Tailbone)


A typical vertebra consists of 2 parts : the vertebral body and the vertebral arch. The 

vertebral arch is posterior, i.e. it faces the back of the person.

                                                            Shape

The upper cervical spine has a curve, convex forward, that begins at the axis and ends at 

the middle of the second thoracic vertebra. This inward curve is known as a lordotic 

curve.

                                                           Function 

The vertebral column surrounds the spinal cord which travels within the spinal canal, 

formed from a central hole within each vertebra. The spinal cord is part of the central 

nervous system that supplies nerves and receives information from the peripheral nervous 

system within the body.

                                                          Diseases

Spina bifida is a congenital disorder in which there is a defective closure of the vertebral 

arch. sometimes the spinal meninges and also the spinal cord can protrude through this, 

and this is called Spine bifida cystica. Where the condition does not involve this 

protrusion  it is known as Spina bifida occulta. Sometimes all of the vertebral arches may 

remain incomplete.

Spinal disc herniation, more commonly called a 'slipped disc'is the result of a tear in the 

outer ring of the intervertebral disc , which lets some of the soft gel-like material, the 

nucleus pulposus, bulge out in the hernia.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal which can occur in any region of the 

spine though less commonly in the thoracic region. The stenosis can constrict the spinal 

canal giving rise to a neurological deficit.

                                     How to strengthen the spine? 

The bridge pose exercise (see video above) is designed to help and strengthen the 

muscles in the back, buttocks and hamstrings.

                                   What foods are good for the spine?

Magnesium found in green leafy vegetables, fish, beans,seeds,nuts, whole grains,yogurt 

bananas is good for the strengthening of the spine.

                        How does one keep the spine healthy as one ages?

Practice good posture when one stands or sits.

Maintain a healthy weight

Exercise to keep back and abdomen strong and flexible.

Good and comfortable footwear to support the spine.

  Readers, hope you are practicing Bridge pose for a strong spine? I do.

Information courtesy Google

YouTube video

                        I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body         Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

Day 3.Chin & Cheeks                         Day 4. Dimples 

Day 5. Eye                                        Day 6. Feet

Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva                       Day 8. Hair 

Day 9. Intestine                                Day 10. Jaws                                   

Day 11. Kidneys                                Day 12. Lungs

Day 13. Mouth                                  Day 14. Nails 

Day 15. Ovary                                      Day 16. Pituitary-gland

Day 17.  Quadriceps                             Day 18.  Ribs                        

Day 19. Spleen                                  Day 20. Trachea

Day 21. Uterus