What are the three regions of the spine?

The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx (Fig. 2). Only the top 24 bones are moveable; the vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused. The vertebrae in each region have unique features that help them perform their main functions.

What are the different areas of the spine called?

The spine is composed of 33 bones, called vertebrae, divided into five sections: the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine sections, and the sacrum and coccyx bones. The cervical section of the spine is made up of the top seven vertebrae in the spine, C1 to C7, and is connected to the base of the skull.

What are 3 things the spine does?

Roles of the spine

• Protect your spinal cord and surrounding structures. This is probably the most important the spinal vertebrae play in the body.
• Provide the foundation for your posture. Without your spinal bones, you would not be able to stand upright.
• Enable you to move and bend.

What are the 3 curves of the spine?

Your spine is made up of three segments. When viewed from the side, these segments form three natural curves. The “c-shaped” curves of the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) are called lordosis. The “reverse c-shaped” curve of the chest (thoracic spine) is called kyphosis.

Which part of the spine is most vulnerable to injury?

The most vulnerable areas of the spine are the lumbar (lower back), and the cervical (neck) regions. They are the most mobile, and susceptible to injury. The lower back is also the main weight bearing part of the spine. The spine is supported by muscles and ligaments.

What is the most inferior spinal nerve?

coccygeal nerve
The most inferior of the spinal nerves, the coccygeal nerve leaves the spinal cord at the level of the conus medullaris via respective vertebrae through their intervertebral foramina, superior to the filum terminale.

What absorbs shock in the spine?

The intervertebral discs are soft structures which act as shock absorbers between each of the vertebrae (bones) in the spine. A single disc sits between each vertebra. Each intervertebral disc has a strong outer ring of fibres (‘annulus’), and a soft, jelly-like centre (nucleus).

What is the purpose of a spine?

Your spine, or backbone, is your body’s central support structure. It connects different parts of your musculoskeletal system. Your spine helps you sit, stand, walk, twist and bend. Back injuries, spinal cord conditions and other problems can damage the spine and cause back pain.

What shape is a healthy spine?

The normal spine has an S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. This shape allows for an even distribution of weight and flexibility of movement. The spine curves in the following ways: The cervical spine curves slightly inward, sometimes described as a backward C-shape or lordotic curve.

When should you lift your spine?

The spine needs to be braced with abdominal and back muscles before any lifting. Cracks in the outer rings of the disc, are caused by injuries. Especially those associated with bending or twisting. This causes the gel-like centre to push out, or to break out completely.

What are the four regions of the spine?

The spine (also called backbone or vertebral column) starts at the top of your neck, just under the scull, and goes all the way down to your tail-bone. There are 5 regions of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. However the 3 most commonly discussed regions are the cervical, thoracic, lumbar regions.

What are the two most injured parts of the spine?

The cervical and lumbar portions of the spinal cord are the most susceptible to injury.

What is L5 of the spine?

The term “L5” describes the area, or level, in which a specific spinal nerve exits the spinal column and runs through the body. The L5 segment is in the lower spine, and the spinal nerve associated with it runs down the back of the legs to provide sensory and motor signals to the legs.

How many bones are in the human spine?

The spine, or vertebral column, is a tower of bone that consists of 24 irregular-shaped bones along with the nine fused bones in the sacrum and coccyx. The spine gives human beings their posture as well as houses and protects the spinal column, the body’s major nerve center.