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 7 . Gums/Gingiva Day 8. Hair
Day 9. Intestine Day 10. Jaws Day 21. Uterus
