29th April 2006 at 16:41 BST by Dr.C.A.Jenner MB BS, FRCA. Permalink.
Basic description and explanation of the Spine
The Human Spine is made up of the Vertebral bones (Vertebrae), these are the building blocks of the Spine.
The Vertebrae are divided into 7 Cervical Vertebrae (Neck region), 12 Thoracic Vertebrae (Chest region), 5 Lumbar Vertebrae (Lower Back region) and the Sacrum and Coccyx (Base of the Spine region).
Between each Vertebra is an Intervertebral Disc. This is made of firm but elastic tissue which acts as a shock-absorber, cushioning the Spine during normal movements.
Between each Vertebra are a pair of small joints, the Facet Joints. These allow the spine to articulate, allowing the spine to bend.
The Spinal Cord runs in the middle of the Vertebrae in the Vertebral Foramen, which protects it. The Spinal Cord sends off nerve branches at each Vertebral level.
These Nerve Branches or Nerve Roots travel to respective areas of the body, supplying innervation for sensation, motor function and pain.
The Spinal Cord is also protected by a fluid-filled sac, surrounded by different membrane layers.
These layers include the Pia Mater, Arachnoid Mater and Dura Mater which surround the Spinal Cord, within the Vertebral Foramen. Just outside the Dura Mater is the Epidural space.
‘Basic Anatomy of the Spine’ was posted by Dr.C.A.Jenner MB BS, FRCA on 29th April 2006 at 16:41 BST and filed under anatomy.
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