Structure of the human spine: a diagram, a designation, how many vertebrae

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  • 1The structure of the human spine: a diagram, the designation of the main departments. Features of the structure
    • 1.1Functions
    • 1.2General structure
    • 1.3Spinal column parts
    • 1.4Vertebrae
    • 1.5Intervertebral discs
    • 1.6Joints
    • 1.7Bundles
    • 1.8Muscles
    • 1.9Internal organs
    • 1.10Aging
    • 1.11Conclusion
  • 2The structure of the human spine: its functions and anatomy, vertebrae and intervertebral discs, schemes and designations
    • 2.1Bends of the human spine
    • 2.2Functions and structure of the vertebra
    • 2.3Intervertebral disks their structure
    • 2.4The vertebral-motor segment (PDS of the spine) and its structure
    • 2.5VCP numbering
    • 2.6Basic functions of individual parts of the human spine
  • 3Structure and function of the human spine
    • 3.1Functions of the human spine
    • 3.2Reference function
    • 3.3Protection function
    • 3.4Motor function
    • 3.5Anatomy
    • 3.6Cylindrical vertebrae
    • 3.7Intervertebral disc
    • 3.8Joints
    • 3.9The spinal-motor segment
    • 3.10Neck
    • 3.11Thoracic department
    • 3.12Lumbar section
    • 3.13Sacrum
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    • 3.14Coccyx
    • 3.15Muscular system of the spine
    • 3.16Spine and internal organs
    • 3.17Aging of the spine
    • 3.18Bends of the spinal column
  • 4Structure of the spine of a person - functions and features
    • 4.1The unique structure of the human spine
    • 4.2Division of the spine into departments
    • 4.3Features of the structure of the spine
    • 4.4Bends of the spine - a way to protect against stresses
    • 4.5Communication of the spine with internal organs
  • 5Structure of the spine of the person departments, vertebrae, anatomy, photo
    • 5.1Structure of the human spine
    • 5.2Spine departments structure
    • 5.3Structure of the human spine
    • 5.4Vertebral structure of vertebrae and osteophytes
    • 5.5Work of the spine
    • 5.6Aging of the spine

The structure of the human spine: a diagram, the designation of the main departments. Features of the structure

The spine is one of the most important constructions of the human body. We rely on it and move with it.

The curved shape of the spine is elastic and flexible, which softens the various shocks that can occur with intensive loads. It allows a person to walk straight and supports the center of gravity.

In this article, we will consider the structure of the human spine. Scheme, designation, functions and anatomy will reveal its detailed characteristics.

Functions

The spine has the basic support function. Imagine a life without this body is impossible. If his work is broken, then the person not only can not walk, but simply stand. His health directly depends on his condition.

If you look at the structure of the human spine (the diagram, the designation is presented below), then it is noticeable that it appears as a flexible rod. To it are attached humeral bones, limbs.

This is a full-fledged foundation of the whole body, because it also holds the head, ribs, collarbone and shoulder blades.

The spinal column protects the spinal cord, on the basis of which the functioning of the most important systems and organs depends. Shock, damage, negative environmental conditions cause great harm to health.

All these effects are protected by the bone system under consideration. Due to the joints located between the vertebrae, movement occurs. In the spinal column there are almost fifty.

We will study the structure of the human spine, a scheme whose designation shows all its importance and significance.

General structure

The spine has five departments with an appropriate number of vertebrae. On the sagittal and frontal planes there are bends.

Thanks to them, the load is distributed evenly.

Bends come in several forms: with convexity, forward is called lordosis, backwards - kyphosis, aside - scoliosis.

If you look at the structure of the spine of a person, a scheme whose designation illustrates this particularly clearly, we note in it natural bends. However, they can be excessive.

Then they talk about pathological changes. The integrity of the structure is provided by the joints, ligaments and intervertebral discs, which, when moving, give a damping effect.

This unique structure of the human spine allows us to move painlessly.

Spinal column parts

In the spinal column five departments are distinguished:

  • cervical;
  • thoracic;
  • lumbar;
  • sacrum;
  • coccyx.

The vertebral column begins with the cervical section, which is represented by a convex bend.

He is the most mobile, due to which a person is able to tilt and turn his head, and also move his neck. This is provided by the first two segments.

They have an annular shape and are attached by special processes to the occipital opening.

Neck department can be called the main one. Three of the seven vertebrae have a special structure. On the first, not having a body, but consisting of two arcs, the base of the skull rests. This vertebra is called the atlant. The next bone, an epistrophe, is also special.

In front of it there is a tooth-shaped process, which serves as awning, due to which the atlas rotates. The cervical region is closest to the brain. It provides normal life activity to the "gray matter".

Damage here can lead to death.

The thoracic department (in medicine it is called the thoracic) is bent C-shaped. With it, the back wall of the thorax is directly connected due to the ribs, which are attached to the vertebrae. This department of the spine is inactive, again, because of the proximity of the thorax.

But here, all the same, slopes are possible. Simply their degree is much less than in other departments. Limit these movements of the rib, as they protect such important organs as the lungs and the heart.

Intervertebral discs here are low, but spinous processes are quite long.

The lumbar region (or lumbar) is represented by the largest vertebrae. It is endowed with a smooth bend connecting the sacral and thoracic parts.

The whole upper part of the body presses on him, because of which he has a serious job.

It is this department, along with the nursing, who takes on the greatest burden: when walking, jumping or running, he is responsible for amortization of the entire body. Therefore, in these parts, pathologies or injuries are more common than others.

The two lower parts are only conventionally called vertebrae. The sacrum consists of a triangular bone consisting of five fused vertebrae. Thanks to him, the connection of the spine with the pelvis is carried out. The coccyx is the lowest part of the column.

Its appearance resembles an inverted pyramid of curved shape. The coccyx connects ligaments and muscles related to the genitourinary system. It transfers the load to the pelvic bones, being at the same time a fulcrum. It can be called a rudimentary tail, which is partially ingrained in the pelvic bone.

The female skeleton differs from the male skeleton in this part. The bones of the coccyx are slightly divergent before delivery, increasing the diameter of the delivery canal, thereby facilitating the process for both the mother and the child.

Below is a complete map that details the structure of the human spine. Scheme, designation, functions on it are also available.

Vertebrae

The vertebral column includes 24 vertebrae, connected in series. They belong to:

  1. neck section (seven units);
  2. thoracic (twelve);
  3. lumbar (five).

Each of the vertebrae has the shape of a cylinder. And it plays an important role as a reliable element of the reference load. It has the shape of an arc - this is a semicircle with outgrowths from it.

An opening is created on the arch and vertebral body. Forming on each vertebra, they all together create a vertebral canal, in which the spinal cord, nerves and blood vessels are located.

Intervertebral discs

These elements have a flat round body with a special fluid inside and a disk core.

The structure of the human spinal column (schematic, designation can also be seen in the figure below), thanks to the elastic discs, provides cushioning during vertical movement.

The fibrous ring, which prevents the displacement of the vertebrae, surrounds the pulpous nucleus. It can weaken with diseases of the spine, and sometimes even tear, which causes intervertebral hernias.

Joints

The spine can not exist without joints. They connect the vertebrae.

The joints are covered with a smooth membrane, cartilage, due to which, when rubbing the vertebrae, painful sensations do not appear. Inside the joints is a fluid that nourishes and lubricates the cartilage.

Due to this, the person bends, turns in different directions and makes other movements of his body.

Bundles

Bundles are of two types:

  • yellow, joining arcs;
  • The posterior longitudinal, connecting vertebrae in this part of the column.

In the presence of pathological changes, high mobility of the joints and discs of the ligament is attempted to compensate. As a result, hypertrophy occurs.

Look at the structure of the human spine: the diagram, the designation in Russian is presented below.

Thanks to the image it is easy to understand how many vertebras there are and to which department they belong.

Muscles

The muscle tissue surrounds the spinal column. Due to this, the load and the danger of mechanical damage are significantly reduced.

On the back, there are superficial and deep muscles. The first help the work of the shoulders and straighten the back.

They include the widest, trapezoidal, rhomboid, jagged muscles.

Internal organs

Inside the spinal column is the spinal cord, surrounded by a hard, arachnoid and soft membranes. This organ originates in the brain and ends on the first and second vertebra of the waist. Each of his departments is responsible for certain organs of the human body.

This function is provided by the work of nerve impulses that come from the spinal cord and move directly to the internal organs. Nerve roots and cells in the spinal cord are huge.

And features of a structure of departments of a backbone allow to leave it through intervertebral apertures.

Aging

Like any organ of the human body, the spine ages in old age. Bad habits have a detrimental effect on him.

Because of dehydration, the damping properties are lost, and the ligaments and bones cease to be sufficiently flexible and begin to thicken.

Degeneration can also occur in the disk, which is why most pathologies develop.

Conclusion

When the structure of the human spinal column is studied, the scheme, designation, anatomy are of great importance.

Involuntarily you catch yourself thinking that, as always, there is nothing superfluous in this complex organism. Each segment fulfills the task assigned to it.

Being a small link, it provides, along with the rest of the structures, the work of the whole organism.

Knowing which structure the human spine has, it becomes clear how important it is to give it proper attention.

A sedentary lifestyle causes tension in the muscles of the back, some of which do not support the spine at all.

You will be interested in:Displacement of cervical vertebrae: symptoms and treatment

This mode leads to the fact that some departments are subjected to increased load, while others are at risk of injury even with little fatigue.

A source: http://.ru/article/250171/stroenie-pozvonochnika-cheloveka-shema-oboznachenie-osnovnyih-otdelov-osobennosti-stroeniya

The structure of the human spine: its functions and anatomy, vertebrae and intervertebral discs, schemes and designations

Man - the structure of his body is unusual and unique. He is able to walk on two legs, that is, vertically. This position of his body provides the spine.

Let's consider its structure and purpose of each department. The human spine is a unique creation of nature. It plays an important role in the structure of the human body.

It is the rod that holds all the bones together and allows you to perform the supporting and motor function.

The spine protects the body from injuries and injuries, loads, and serves as a support for the human body. It plays an important role in the human body.

Without him, we could not walk, bend, move. The role of the human spine isprotect the bone marrow, it is located inside the vertebrae.

Thanks to the S-shaped form, the spine performssupporting and motor function.

Has a vertebral 32-34 vertebra of a cylindrical shape and 24 intervertebral disks, which allow to be flexible and flexible spine.

The vertebrae are joined together by two upper and lower articular processes, ligaments, intervertebral discs.

Structure of the human spine

Let us consider in more detail the structure of the spine. It is customary to divide and classify into several divisions: coccygeal, sacral, lumbar, thoracic, cervical. In each of them there is a certain number of vertebrae.

CervicalDepartment- vertebrae cervicales, translated from Latin as cervical.

It includes 7 vertebrae, and there is also a zero vertebra, they consider the cranial occipital bone, the name of the zero vertebrae C0. From the appearance it looks like a letter with a convex forward. The cervical region is the most mobile.

It differs from other departments and is responsible for the mobility of the head. The first and second vertebrae have their names atlant and epistrophe.

Thoracic department- vertebrae thoracicae, translated from Latin as thoracic. It has 12 vertebrae. From the appearance it looks like the letter c, convex back. This department is inactive, on it there is almost no load, but it is responsible for the chest.

Lumbar section- vertebrae lumbales thoracicae, translated from Latin as lumbar. It has the 5 largest and largest vertebrae.

In appearance it resembles the letter c, convex forward. The lumbar joint connects the thoracic and sacral parts.

This department is under heavy pressure, because it keeps the thoracic department on itself.

Sacral Department- vertebrae sacrales, translated from Latin as sacral. He has 5 vertebrae, they have merged into one large bone-sacrum. Sacrum is a fixed part of the spine, which has a triangular shape.

The Coccygeal Department- vertebrae coccygeal, translated from Latin as coccygeal. He has 3-5 vertebrae, fused into one. The coccygeal department differs from the others in that it does not have lateral processes.

Bends of the human spine

If you look at the spine from the side, you can see that it is not straight, but curved. It can not be imagined that it was direct, then we could not move, bend over, constantly get injured.

Bends of the spine can soften the tremors when walking, but while protecting the brain from shocks and shocks.There are two bends. If the spine is bent forward it is called lordosis, and if the spine is bent back it is called kyphosis.

  1. The first bend is in the cervical region. He arches forward and forms a cervical lordosis.
  2. The second bend is in the thoracic region. He bends back and forms a thoracic kyphosis.
  3. The third bend is in the lumbar spine. He arches forward and forms a lumbar lordosis.
  4. The fourth bend is in the sacral section. He bends back and forms a sacral kyphosis.

Functions and structure of the vertebra

The main part of the spine is the vertebra. It resembles a kidney-shaped body or an arc with a round body. This is the most massive part. The arc closes the vertebra, it is needed to create a spinal canal.

From him leavearticular processes, they connect the adjacent vertebrae from above and below. They consist of a spongy internal substance and a compact outer one.

The outer compact substance is very solid and it allows the spine to be stable and resistant to external influences. Inside the vertebrared marrow, thanks to it formed erythrocytes in the blood.

Depending on which department the vertebra belongs to, it has differences. Lumbar more and more massive than cervical. The lumbar ones carry almost the entire body's load, and the neck only bear the load of the head.

Intervertebral disks their structure

Between the vertebrae of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical divisions are intervertebral disks. They consist ofnucleus pulposus and fibrous rings.

Elasticity of the disk allows you to change the shape. It works in the shock absorber's role, allowing the spine to bend and distribute the load and pressure between the vertebrae.

Foraminal holesare formed between two adjacent vertebrae. They are necessary and important because they pass through the roots of the spinal cord, arteries and veins. The narrowing of these holes leads to compression of the nerve roots and this leads to a disruption in the circulation of blood.

In maintaining the spinea lot of muscles are involved. Muscles femoral, back, shoulders, neck, chest should be trained, so that the spine is in the right position.

If you pursue a sedentary lifestyle, the back muscles will have discomfort and maybe even pain and can lead to a pathological condition, such as scoliosis, stoop, kyphosis and even a hernia disk.

The vertebral-motor segment (PDS of the spine) and its structure

The vertebral-motor segment (PDS of the spine) is part of the spine, which consists of two adjacent vertebrae. There are 24 vertebral-motor segments in the spine.

  • 7 cervical PDS;
  • 12 thoracic PDS;
  • 5 lumbar PDS.

EachThe PDS has: two adjacent vertebrae, ligamentous apparatus, joints, intervertebral disc, paravertebral muscles. And also they have two holes, of which there are veins, arteries and spinal nerves.

VCP numbering

The numbering of the PDS begins at the very top of the cervical region and ends at the border between the lumbar and sacral parts. The PDS begins with the name of adjacent vertebrae. First, the upper vertebra is written, then the dash is placed and the number of the lower, necessary department is written. For example:

  1. C1 - C2 - this is the PDS of the cervical spine, the first and second vertebra.
  2. T3 - T4 - this is indicated by the PDS of the thoracic region, the third and fourth vertebra.
  3. L 5 - S 1 - this is the designation of the LDS of the lumbar and sacral region, the fifth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae.
  4. Neck department has such numbering - C1-C7.
  5. Thoracic such numbering is Th 1 - Th 12 or T 1 - T 12 or D 1 - D 12.
  6. Lumbar numbering is L1-L5.
  7. Sacred such numbering - S1 - S5.
  8. The coccygeal numbering is Co 1 - Co 5.

Basic functions of individual parts of the human spine

For example, cervical vertebrae are intendedhold one's headand ensure its mobility. Damage to the cervical vertebrae leads to death. Breasts protect important vital organs: lungs, heart, stomach.

The sacral department providesstability and strengthbones of the large pelvis. And the most interesting is the coccygeal spine.

Since it is mobile, it is not connected to anything and resembles the tip of the tail, which indicates that our ancestors walked on four legs and had a tail.

But the natural conditions of life required an evolutionary change in the position of the human body, that is, to release the front legs for obtaining food.

A source: http://artrit.guru/anatomiya-cheloveka/stroenie-i-funkcii-pozvonochnika-cheloveka-shemy-i-oboznacheniya.html

Structure and function of the human spine

The spinal column is the most important design of our body. It performs the supporting and motor functions.

Due to its curved shape, the spinal column is resilient, flexible, and also helps to soften shocks that can occur during physical exertion.

The features of the structure and form provide a person with direct walking, and also maintain the center of gravity.

The structure of the spine is truly flawless and perfect. First, let's talk about the functional abilities of the spinal column.

Functions of the human spine

Let's talk about the main functions in more detail.

Just as the strength of the entire building depends on the foundation, and the health of a person directly depends on the condition of the spine.

Reference function

The human spine is presented in the form of a flexible rod. It serves as a support for the shoulder, upper limbs, as well as the organs of the sternum and peritoneum. This is not only the axis, but also the foundation of our body, as it holds the head, scapula, collarbones, ribs, upper limbs.

Protection function

The spine protects the spinal cord, which is the most important control center, without which the most important organs and systems of the body could not function properly.

External shocks, mechanical damage, unfavorable environmental factors - all this can cause significant harm to human health. The spinal column protects against the harmful effects of all these factors.

It is interesting that each segment is responsible for the functioning of a particular body. If the protection function is damaged, then the nerve impulse does not reach the organs well, which means that their functioning

Motor function

Between the vertebrae are joints, with the help of which motion is carried out. Each person can count about 50 such joints.

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Now let's talk directly about the anatomical features and structure of the spine.

Anatomy

The vertebral column consists of 24 small vertebrae, or small bones, which are connected in series. Spine departments are represented as follows:

  • cervical department (7 vertebra);
  • thoracic department (12 vertebrae);
  • lumbar spine (5 vertebrae).

The vertebrae are the bones that are directly involved in the formation of the spine

Cylindrical vertebrae

The vertebrae have a cylindrical shape and are the strongest element of the supporting load. If you look at the vertebrae from behind, you can see the so-called arc - a semicircle, from which the processes depart.

Together with the body of the vertebra, the arch forms a vertebral foramen. The holes are in all the vertebrae in the exact order, and together they form the vertebral canal.

The vertebral canal is an important element of the spine, which contains the spinal cord, vessels and nerve roots.

Intervertebral disc

The intervertebral disc is a flat, rounded pad. Pulpoid core is a good shock absorber, and also has high elasticity. As for the fibrous ring, it is capable of blocking the probable displacement of the vertebrae.

The intervertebral disc consists of two parts: a pulpous nucleus and a fibrous ring

The disk is constructed from such components:

  1. Collagen imparts strength, elasticity and stability to the disc, prevents the development of herniated spine;
  2. hyaluronic acid;
  3. water is the main component of intervertebral discs. It acts as a lubricant, and also released during the load, which compensates for the pressure from the external force.

Joints

The facet joints form articular processes that extend from the vertebral plate. Articular cartilage lowers the friction between the bones that form the joint. Joints make possible movements between vertebrae, which gives flexibility to the spine.

Muscles

The parotid muscles support the spine, and also provide a variety of movements, such as tilting, turning.

The spinal-motor segment

The vertebral-motor segment is a functional element of the spine and is formed by two vertebrae. Such segments contain intervertebral foroles, which lead to nerve roots, veins and arteries.

There are five departments of the spine. Let's talk in more detail about each of them.

The cervical region consists of seven vertebrae, located at the top of the spinal column

Neck

This department is distinguished by the presence of lordosis - a forward-directed convex bend. This is the most mobile part of the spine. Thanks to the cervical section, each person can turn his head in both directions, tilt it forward and backward, and also move his neck.

"More details about the cervical spine can be found here."

Thoracic department

The thoracic department includes 12 vertebrae. He is crooked. The posterior thoracic wall is directly connected to the thoracic region.

In this department, the spine has limited mobility.

This is due to the fact that the chest is next to it, and also because the intervertebral discs have a small height, and the spinous processes are of considerable length.

Lumbar section

The lumbar region includes the five largest vertebrae. The lumbar spine has a smooth bend, and is also a link connecting the thoracic and sacral parts. The whole upper part of the body presses on him, so he experiences considerable loads.

Sacrum

The sacrum is a triangular bone, which is formed by the 5 th coalesced vertebrae. The sacral section connects the spine to the pelvic bones.

Coccyx

The epidermis is the lower part of the spinal column. By appearance - curved inverted pyramid. The coccyx joins muscles and ligaments, which belong to the urogenital system. It distributes the physical load to the pelvic structures, and is also the fulcrum.

Studying the structure of the spine, once again, we are convinced that there is nothing superfluous in our body.

Muscular system of the spine

The spine is a framework with the cervical muscles of the abdominal cavity and back. Define such muscles of the back: deep and superficial.

Muscles attach directly to the vertebrae and promote their movement

Superficial muscles of the back take an active part in the processes of straightening the back, and also help the shoulder girdle in fulfilling its role. This group of muscles can include:

  • the widest muscle;
  • rhomboid muscle;
  • trapezius muscle;
  • jagged muscles.

Spine and internal organs

Also read:Symptoms of protrusion of the cervical spine

In the canal of the spinal column there is a section of the central nervous system consisting of cells, as well as nerve fibers.

The spinal cord is surrounded by three membranes:

  1. hard shell;
  2. a spider web;
  3. soft shell.

The spinal cord originates in the brain, and ends at the level of the first and second vertebra of the lumbar spine.

Each segment of the spinal cord corresponds to a specific area of ​​the human body. Such functioning is possible due to the work of nerve impulses passing from the spinal cord directly to the internal organs.

Aging of the spine

Any organ of our body in due time approaches the stage of aging, and the spine is no exception.

The spine is badly affected by bad habits, as well as injuries sustained in the past.

In addition, due to age-related changes in intervertebral disks, the ability to perform amortization due to dehydration is lost.

Also, over time, the bones and ligaments become less flexible and begin to thicken. In the disk, degenerative changes may begin, which are the main cause of the development of pathologies.

Bends of the spinal column

Despite the fact that the spine is called the "vertebral column it does not look much like a pillar. If you look at it from the side, you can see that it is bent. Such bends are not pathologies. These are the physiological features of the structure.

As for the cervical region, it is bent forward, this is the so-called "cervical lordosis." If we talk about the thoracic region, it is on the contrary bent back, which has the name "thoracic kyphosis". And the lumbar region also has a lordosis, that is, it is bent forward.

Given all of the above, we can make an uncompromising conclusion that the spine is an important part of our body. It must be protected!

A source: http://MoyaSpina.ru/info/stroenie-funkcii-pozvonochnika-cheloveka

Structure of the spine of a person - functions and features

The spine is a kind of supporting axis, the core of the body, which provides it with statistical stability and dynamic activity. If we remove this axis, we can not only move around, but generally stand. In addition, it also has the following functions:

  • Inside it is the most important central organ - the spinal cord
  • It is attached to the whole skeleton - the skull, limbs, thorax, hip joint
  • It ensures the correct location of all organs inside

How does he manage to perform so many different and complex tasks at once? The answer to this question can only be given by anatomy. Let's look at the structure of the spine!

The unique structure of the human spine

The spine has a complex structure: it has many links. It consists of 32-34 small vertebrae of cylindrical shape. The difference in the two vertebra is due to the difference in the number of vertebrae in the coccyx in different people.

Of course, this rather long vertical rod would be flimsy and would not withstand the small loads if its parts were not connected with each other by remarkable natural binders. In this design kit:

  1. Intervertebral discs
  2. Bundles
  3. Facet joints -
  4. Tendons

Each binding has its own functions:

  • Intervertebral discs serve to amortize the load
  • Ligaments connect vertebrae with each other
  • Facet joints - to provide mobility of the vertebrae
  • Tendons securing the attachment of the paravertebral muscles to the spine

Here and further, visual drawings from the anatomy will be placed, since it is most convenient to study the structure of the human spine in pictures

The vertebrae are located one above the other, forming a vertebral column, and the arches and bony spines of the vertebrae are the spinal canal, inside which is the spinal cord in a hard shell.

The distance between the membrane of the brain and the canal wall is called epidural space.

From each segment of the spinal cord (31-33), the anterior and posterior radicular filaments extend, conducting respectively, motor and sensory impulses, which, when combined, form a spinal cord nerve.

This nerve enters the lateral intervertebral foramen, which is called foraminous. Any disease that causes deformation of the vertebrae and discs and exerts physical pressure on the nerve of a segment (for example, the intervertebral hernia), inevitably affects the motor ability and sensitivity of various parts of the body rights.

Division of the spine into departments

There are the following parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal. For a single classification, all vertebrae in anatomical atlases are numbered from the first to the last, and each department is assigned a Latin letter corresponding to the first letter in the title.

  • In the cervical spine there are seven vertebrae, the numbering of which is from C1 to C7. There is also a zero vertebra - they are conventionally considered an occipital cranial bone.
  • The thoracic department of the spine counts the most - 12 vertebrae with the numbering T1 - T12. In some reference books use the designation D1 - D1
  • The lumbar spine consists of only five vertebrae L1-L5
  • The sacral region of the spine is also made up of five (S1 - S5)
  • The coccygeal has a "variable" amount: one person may have three vertebra here, the other has four or five. Hence the numbering here from Co1 to Co5

Features of the structure of the spine

All departments of the spine have their own structural features, closely related to functionality.

  1. So, in the cervical spine, the first two vertebrae have a unique structure, and this ensures the ability of the head Turning in different directions and bending down Because of small power loads in the cervical spine, the vertebrae are narrow, with small bodies. The greater mobility of the cervical part and its subtle structure is the cause of such frequent diseases as osteochondrosis and intervertebral hernia.
  2. The thoracic sector is the largest and least mobile, it has many organs, ribs are fastened, therefore the thoracic vertebrae are massive, with large bodies. Because of the lack of mobility of the thoracic region, the formation of a hernia in it is a rather rare phenomenon. Even if this happens, it is almost without symptoms.
  3. The lion's part of the load falls on the lumbar region. Therefore, the vertebrae of the lumbar segment are the largest, both in diameter and height
  4. The sacral vertebral part has a specific structure:
    • all its vertebrae intergrown
    • The first two sacral vertebrae are large, and then they are already decreasing

    And here there can be observed such phenomena as

    • sacralization-the cultivation of the fifth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae
    • lumbarization - the first and second sacral vertebrae separate

    But both cases are not considered as deviations from the norm

Usually, the diseases do not choose a lumbar or sacral region separately, but capture the entire lumbosacral part of our spine.

This is due to the proximity of these parts and the marginal position of the extreme vertebrae in the most "combat" zone - where the waist is bent and a lot of loads fall. More loads - faster wear out of the vertebrae and discs.

All this leads to the fact that the lumbosacral spine is one of its most vulnerable parts.

Bends of the spine - a way to protect against stresses

If you look at the spine from the side, you can see that it is not like a straight pole, but has a smooth curvature. And these bends of the spine are not scoliosis at all.

This is also one of its properties, due to which it is able to withstand a lot of pressure, and to remain whole: thanks to such useful curvature, it springs and softens the load.

The bends of the spine give it the appearance of the letter S. Bends forward are calledlordosis, buckling backwards -kyphosis. In different places, the bends of the spine have different directions.

  • In the cervical spine, the curve is forward - this is cervical lordosis
  • In the thoracic - back (thoracic kyphosis)
  • Lumbar as well as cervical, has anterior orientation - lumbar lordosis

With osteochondrosis and scoliosis, either an increase or a smoothing of the bends often occurs, which equally affects the flexibility and strength of the spinal column.

Communication of the spine with internal organs

Pathology in different segments of the spine affects not only the condition of the entire muscular skeleton as a whole, but it can also be given far to other organs.

A person can not simply refuse hands and feet, but also develop completely unexpected illnesses.

This is explained by the involvement of the spinal nerves in the process and the connection of the spinal cord to the autonomic nervous system.

So, if the cervical spine is affected, do not be surprised if suddenly there are problems with shchitovidkoj, the voice has sat down, pharyngitis and laryngitis have begun, the head has become ill and has begun to spin, has amplified neurasthenia.

A source: https://ZaSpiny.ru/raznoye/pozvonochnik.html

Structure of the spine of the person departments, vertebrae, anatomy, photo

The structure of the human spine is as flawless as all the creatures of the Creator. The human spinal column is the basis of the whole body. It serves as a support, and protects the entire organism from injuries and stresses.

The spine, as a bearing wall in the building, plays an extremely important role in the structure of the human body. It forms the basis for the entire back, which supports the head and trunk.

The spine is also responsible for protecting the spinal nerves, producing blood cells and storing useful minerals (such as potassium, calcium, sodium... etc.

), which are released and transported by blood throughout the body as needed.

Structure of the human spine

The human spine in the photo resembles an ideal design. It is the receptacle of one of the main organs - the spinal cord. Also, this frame protects from damage the nerve plexus and the largest nerves, covering them in the most vulnerable places with bones.

The spine also provides the shape of our back and serves as a fixture for the thoracic and pelvic girdles and many muscles. In the human body, the important function of the spine is to distribute the body mass when walking and standing.

His dexterity and strength the body receives from the muscles, which are also attached to the processes of the vertebrae. All this complex system makes our body mobile, hardy and manoeuvrable.

Spine departments structure

The spine has 33-34 vertebrae, arranged in a chain. Let's consider more in detail departments. It is more convenient to study the structure of the human spine in pictures. According to the anatomy of the location and the function performed, the post is divided into departments:

  • in the first cervical spine 7 vertebrae (the bones here are more delicate, graceful);
  • the thoracic department has 12 vertebrae, differing in massiveness and density;
  • bones of the lumbar spine, consisting of 5 pieces, exceptionally strong and powerful;
  • the sacrum is represented by 5 vertebrae, forming one fused bone, they are also called false;
  • ends with a column of coccyx, which is also represented by a fused conglomerate of vertebrae.

More clearly consider the structure of the spine can be on the video of the 3D scanner of the spine. very short, but gives a very capacious idea.

Its flexibility and strength of the spine found because of the bends. There are 4:

  1. Neck - has a bulge forward.
  2. Thoracic - curved back.
  3. The lumbar section is bent forward.
  4. The sacral section is also bent back.

These bends in medical terminology are called lordosis and kyphosis. By kyphosis, the bending of the spine is called back. There are two of them: thoracic and sacral.

Lordosis is the curvature of the spine, we can distinguish between cervical and lumbar spine. Bends are formed in the child from the very beginning of the motor activity.

When the child starts to hold his head - a cervical lordosis is created. When the child sits down - a bend in the thoracic region is formed, and when the little man gets to his feet, lumbar and sacral bends appear.

Physiological lordosis and kyphosis are finally fixed by the time of ossification of the spine, this is 20-25 years.

Structure of the human spine

Departments and bends of the spine

Vertebral structure of vertebrae and osteophytes

Each vertebra has a body - its center, it is surmounted by a Y-shaped arch or a so-called arc.

The arch includes a spinous process down and back, which can be felt in the form of a row of tubercles on the back, and two transverse processes, on both sides, which provide attachment for muscles and ligaments.

Together, the center and the arch surround the hole, the vertebral canal, inside which is securely protected and the spinal cord is located. Segments are separated by cartilaginous intervertebral discs, which take on the role of pillows, absorbing the load during movement.

Each vertebra, from whatever department it was, is built from a body and a thin arch. There are 7 appendages on the arc:

  • The spinous process is located on the back of the arch.
  • The transverse processes, like the wings of an airplane, are on their sides.
  • articular processes are paired, upper and lower, are located, respectively, from above and from below arches. These processes connect the vertebrae with each other.

The vertebrae are attached to each other by ligaments, they do not touch, as they are separated by intervertebral discs.

Discs are formed from two parts: the core and the ring. The core, which accounts for the entire load of the spine, is built from cartilage and water. The ring is represented by dense fibers of connective tissue. This layer protects the core itself, surrounding it.

The disc of the spine is built from:

  1. collagen (10 - 20%). The function of collagen provides strength, elasticity and stability for the intervertebral disc. Thus, preventing the possibility of a hernia.
  2. proteoglycans (4 - 7%). The basic components are hyaluronic acid, as well as glycosaminoglycans.
  3. water (65 - 80%). It is released under load, that would compensate for part of the pressure when exposed to an external force and also acts as a lubricant.

A key role in the matter of tissue structure and cell exchange is performed by hyaluronic acid.

It is like a lubricant in the moving parts of the car, only details are the intervertebral disks.

The second component - glycosaminoglycan, promotes under the conditions of the load to recreate the bone tissue, which is necessary for the health of intervertebral discs.

From the figure it is clear that the most important element, which holds all the vertebrae, are ligaments. Long ligaments extend along the entire column, in front and behind it.

Short ligaments hold each vertebrae separately. The most imperceptible, but no less sturdy, fibers fix the intervertebral discs with the vertebral body.

Also, the ligaments braid the joint around, creating a capsule, where it works and is localized.

The joints give the spinal column lability and the ability to flex in all directions.

They are located between the vertebrae and on the joints of the spine with other bones that are attached to the skeleton: ribs, collarbones, pelvic bone.

There are several classifications of the types of joints (for details on the classification of joints, see "Types of human joints").

In the niches formed by the bone processes, the muscles are located. It is on them that the ability of the body to move in space depends, they form a characteristic gait and the movements proper to each person. Muscles consist of a variety of fibers, connected in bundles.

Fibers have properties to be strongly stretched or shortened. With their ends, the muscles join the processes of the bones. Obeying the nervous impulses, they relax and contract, making movements. The muscles wrap the entire spine and bones with a dense multilayered "cocoon".

The main part of the nervous system is also strongly dependent on the spine. Inside the column, the spinal cord passes, its processes are covered with spines of the vertebrae, and the nerve plexuses are hidden deep beneath the skeleton.

In the vertebral column is enclosed the spinal cord, and its roots exit through the holes in the vertebrae. The spinal cord is part of the human nervous system, which transmits signals of various sensations, and also controls the movements of the muscles of the body.

Often patients over 40 years old experience pain in the spine, often osteophytes are guilty.

What it is? The osteophyte is a pathological growth on the marginal part of the bone tissue (or, in other words, bone growths).

They can form in the form of spines, which leads to compression (clamping) of nerve endings and causes pain.

Work of the spine

Very interesting work of the spine was demonstrated by researchers at McGill University in conjunction with musicians and dancers. Here are some photos:

Aging of the spine

The spine undergoes the aging process in the same way as all the rest of our body organs. Time, in itself, once injured and of course, bad habits have a detrimental effect on the spine.

With the age of a person, the discs in the spine become dehydrated, or dry up and lose their ability to act as softeners, acting as shock absorbers. The bones and ligaments that make up the spine also become less flexible and denser.

One of the most common causes for diseases is disk degeneration.

Degeneration in disks is natural and is not in itself a problem. Complexity occurs when these discs begin to clamp and exert pressure on adjacent nerve endings or spinal cord.

A source: http://osteo911.ru/ctroenie-pozvonochnika-cheloveka.html