Vertebrae are the structural units of spine. They are stacked together to form entire vertebral column.Between each vertebra in the spine are cushion like structures called intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers and also permit some movement between the vertebral bodies. Various ligaments of spine stabilize the spine and also allow movements of spine.
Movements of spine occur at special joints called facet joints that are formed between two adjacent vertebrae. Various muscles of spine carry out the movements of spine. These muscles are important for maintaining posture and transmission of loads created during normal activities, work, and play. Strength of these muscles is important and lack of strength would lead to varoius backache problems.
Vertebrae are shaped in such a way that the spinal cord is protected from damage by the bones of the entire spinal column.
Vertebrae
The vertebrae are responsible for transmission of of the weight. Each vertebra consist of an anterior body which is attached to a posterior ring called posterior neural arch. Two struts of bones called pedicles arise from body and join two converging struts called laminae. Pedicles, laminae and posterior surface of body forms boundaries of spinal canal. This spinal canal is the space where spinal cord passes. There is a transverse process on either side of the arch which serves as attachment to varoius muscles and ligaments. Dead posteriorly is the posterior spinous process that can be felt on our back as bumps. Posterior spinous processes also serve as attachment to ligaments and muscles of spine.
Adjacent to base of transverse processes are bony projections that go superiorly and inferiorly. These are called superior and inferior articular facets and take part in formation of facet joints. There are two facet joints between each between each pair of vertebrae one on each side.They are primarily designed to allow the vertebral bodies to rotate with respect to each other.
Intervertebral Disc
The discs are designed to absorb the stresses carried by the spine while allowing the vertebral bodies to move with respect to each other. They made up of a strong outer ring of fibers called the annulus fibrosus that contains nucleus pulposus.
Neural Foramen
The neural foramen is the opening where the nerve roots exit the spine and travel to the rest of the body. There are two neural foramen located between each pair of vertebrae, one on each side.
Muscles and Ligaments
Various muscles and ligments attch to spine. They help the spine to stablize and allow it to carry various movements.
Join Discussions