The neck is connected to the upper back through a series of seven vertebral segments. Watch: Cervical Spine Anatomy Video. The cervical spine has 7 stacked bones called vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7. The top of the cervical spine connects to the skull, and the bottom connects to the upper back at about shoulder level. As viewed from the side, the cervical spine forms a lordotic curve by gently curving toward the front of the body and then back.
The cervical spine is the most mobile region of the spine. Anatomy of the Spine Not what you're looking for? Start New Search. About anatomy of the spine The human spine is a complex anatomic structure that is the scaffolding for the entire body. It provides several important functions, including: Protecting the spinal cord and nerves Structural support for the body, allowing us to stand upright.
The spine supports about half the weight of the body. The spine above the sacrum consists of: Seven bones in the neck—the cervical spine 12 bones in the chest—the thoracic spine Five bones in the lower back—the lumbar spine The spinal column combines strong bones, unique joints, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles and highly sensitive nerves.
Some causes of spinal pain include: Irritation of the large nerves as they exit the bony confines of the spine leading to the arms and legs Irritation of the smaller nerves of the spine that involve innervate or supply the discs between the vertebrae, facets and ligaments Strain of the large muscles of the back that hold the spine upright Injuries to the bones, ligaments or joints Damage or disease to the discs that separate the vertebrae Abnormal movement between segments Tumors, infection, trauma, deformity or other spinal disorders The spinal column is made up of many parts, all designed to help the back move flexibly, support body weight and protect the spinal cord and nerves.
All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? Want More Information? The first cervical C1 vertebra is also called the atlas , because this is the vertebra that supports the skull on top of the vertebral column in Greek mythology, Atlas was the god who supported the heavens on his shoulders.
The C1 vertebra does not have a body or spinous process. Instead, it is ring-shaped, consisting of an anterior arch and a posterior arch. The transverse processes of the atlas are longer and extend more laterally than do the transverse processes of any other cervical vertebrae.
The superior articular processes face upward and are deeply curved for articulation with the occipital condyles on the base of the skull. The inferior articular processes are flat and face downward to join with the superior articular processes of the C2 vertebra. The second cervical C2 vertebra is called the axis , because it serves as the axis for rotation when turning the head toward the right or left.
The axis resembles typical cervical vertebrae in most respects, but is easily distinguished by the dens odontoid process , a bony projection that extends upward from the vertebral body.
The dens joins with the inner aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas, where it is held in place by transverse ligament. The bodies of the thoracic vertebrae are larger than those of cervical vertebrae Figure 6. The characteristic feature for a typical midthoracic vertebra is the spinous process, which is long and has a pronounced downward angle that causes it to overlap the next inferior vertebra.
The superior articular processes of thoracic vertebrae face anteriorly and the inferior processes face posteriorly. These orientations are important determinants for the type and range of movements available to the thoracic region of the vertebral column.
Thoracic vertebrae have several additional articulation sites, each of which is called a facet , where a rib is attached. These are for articulation with the head end of a rib. An additional facet is located on the transverse process for articulation with the tubercle of a rib. Lumbar vertebrae carry the greatest amount of body weight and are thus characterized by the large size and thickness of the vertebral body Figure 6.
They have short transverse processes and a short, blunt spinous process that projects posteriorly. The articular processes are large, with the superior process facing backward and the inferior facing forward.
The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone that is thick and wide across its superior base where it is weight bearing and then tapers down to an inferior, non-weight bearing apex Figure 6. It is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae, a process that does not begin until after the age of The coccyx, or tailbone, is derived from the fusion of four very small coccygeal vertebrae see Figure 6.
It articulates with the inferior tip of the sacrum. It is not weight bearing in the standing position, but may receive some body weight when sitting.
Watch this second animation to see one possible treatment for a herniated disc, removing and replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one that allows for movement between the adjacent certebrae. How could lifting a heavy object produce pain in a lower limb?
Use this tool to identify the bones, intervertebral discs, and ligaments of the vertebral column. The thickest portions of the anterior longitudinal ligament and the supraspinous ligament are found in which regions of the vertebral column? Chiropractors are health professionals who use nonsurgical techniques to help patients with musculoskeletal system problems that involve the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nervous system. They treat problems such as neck pain, back pain, joint pain, or headaches.
If needed, they will refer the patient to other medical specialists. Chiropractors use a drug-free, hands-on approach for patient diagnosis and treatment.
They can recommend therapeutic or rehabilitative exercises, and some also include acupuncture, massage therapy, or ultrasound as part of the treatment program. In addition to those in general practice, some chiropractors specialize in sport injuries, neurology, orthopaedics, pediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging. To become a chiropractor, students must have 3—4 years of undergraduate education, attend an accredited, four-year Doctor of Chiropractic D.
With the aging of the baby-boom generation, employment for chiropractors is expected to increase. Skip to main content. Chapter 6: The Skeletal System.
0コメント