The spinal column, also known as the “vertebral column,” is one of the most important structures in the human body.
It is composed of 24 movable vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx, or tailbone. The primary function of the vertebral column is to protect the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it.
The vertebrae also help support other parts of the body, such as the head, neck, and torso.
Key takeaways
- The vertebral column is composed of 24 movable vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx or tailbone. It has a vital role in supporting the body, protecting the spinal cord, and facilitating movement.
- The vertebrae that make up the spinal column have several essential features such as the vertebral foramen, which forms a passage for the spinal cord, and projections that provide attachments for muscles and ligaments and facilitate the movement of one vertebra over another.
- The spinal column is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each having a unique structure and function.
- The military and navy have robust physical fitness and injury prevention programs designed to strengthen the muscles of the spinal column and reduce the risk of spinal injuries for their personnel.
- Some of the exercises included in physical fitness programs to strengthen the muscles of the spinal column are squats, deadlifts, and core strengthening exercises such as planks and sit-ups.
Anatomy of the spinal column
The vertebrae that make up the spinal column have several important features.
The vertebral foramen, located directly behind the body of the vertebra, forms a passage for the spinal cord.
The vertebrae have projections that connect muscles and ligaments to them and make it easier for one vertebra to move over another. The spinal column is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
Cervical vertebrae
The cervical region of the spinal column is located in the neck and consists of seven vertebrae. The first vertebra, known as the atlas, resembles a bony ring and supports the head.
The second vertebra, known as the axis, is highly specialized and has a bony prominence that fits into the ring of the atlas, allowing for rotation of the head from side to side.
The other five cervical vertebrae have numbers and a transverse foramen that lets nerves, the vertebral artery, and a vein pass through.
Thoracic vertebrae
The thoracic region of the spinal column is located in the chest and consists of 12 vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae articulate with the posterior portion of the 12 ribs to form the posterior wall of the thoracic region, or rib cage.
The thoracic region is in charge of protecting the heart and lungs, which are important organs in the chest.
Lumbar vertebrae
The five vertebrae that make up the lumbar region of the spine are in the lower back. These vertebrae are larger and stronger than the others in the spinal column, providing support for the weight of the upper body. The lumbar area also makes it possible for the torso and legs to move.
Sacral and coccygeal vertebrae
The sacral region of the spinal column is located below the lumbar region and is composed of five separate vertebrae that fuse together between the ages of 18 and 30.
The sacrum is connected on each side with the hip bone and with the coccyx to form the posterior wall of the pelvis. The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is located at the bottom of the spinal column and is made up of four fused vertebrae.
The role of the military and navy in spinal health
The military and navy are two branches of the armed forces that place a high value on the health and well-being of their personnel.
The physical demands of military service can put a lot of stress on the spine, and keeping the spine healthy is important for keeping the body as a whole in good shape.
Physical fitness programs
Both the army and the navy have strong fitness programs that include exercises to strengthen the backbone. These programs often include exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and core-strengthening exercises like planks and sit-ups.
By building up their back muscles, military members can reduce their chances of getting back injuries and get in better shape overall.
Injury prevention
In addition to physical fitness programs, the military and navy also have injury prevention programs in place to help reduce the risk of spinal injuries.
The vertebral column is a vital part of the human body, and it plays a crucial role in supporting the body, protecting the spinal cord, and facilitating movement.
Structure of the vertebral column
The vertebral column is made up of 24 moving vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx, which is also called the tailbone.
The vertebrae protect the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it. Each vertebra has an anterior portion, called the body, which is the large, solid segment of the bone. This vertebral body supports not only the spinal cord but other structures of the body as well.
At the bottom of the spinal column are the sacrum and the coccyx.
The sacrum is a triangular bone immediately below the lumbar vertebrae, composed of five separate vertebrae that gradually fuse together between 18 and 30 years of age.
The sacrum is connected on each side with the hip bone and with the coccyx to form the posterior wall of the pelvis.
Function of the vertebral column
The vertebral column is responsible for supporting the weight of the upper body and protecting the spinal cord. It also makes it easier for the body to move, letting it bend, straighten, bend to the side, and turn. Many of the main muscles of the body are attached to the vertebrae, which allows for the movement of the limbs.
Divisions of the vertebral column
The spinal column is divided into five regions in the following order: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), lumbar (lower back), and sacral and coccygeal (pelvis).
Cervical region
The cervical region comprises seven cervical vertebrae in the neck. The first is called the atlas and resembles a bony ring. It supports the head.
The second is the highly-specialized axis. It has a bony prominence that fits into the ring of the atlas, thus permitting the head to rotate from side to side. The atlas and the axis are the only named vertebrae; all others are numbered.
Each cervical vertebra has a transverse (or intervertebral) foramen to allow passage of nerves, the vertebral artery, and a vein.
The seventh cervical vertebra has a prominent projection that can easily be felt at the bottom of the neck. This landmark makes it possible for physicians to count and identify the vertebrae above and below it.
Thoracic region
The thoracic region comprises 12 vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae articulate with the posterior portion of the 12 ribs to form the posterior wall of the thoracic region (chest) or rib cage.
Lumbar region
The lumbar region comprises five lumbar vertebrae. Located in the small of the back, these vertebrae are the larger and stronger segments of the vertebral column.
Sacral region
The sacral area is made up of the sacrum, which is a triangular bone right below the lumbar vertebrae. It is made up of five separate vertebrae that slowly fuse together between the ages of 18 and 30. The sacrum is connected on each side with the hip bone and with the coccyx to form the posterior wall of the pelvis.
Coccygeal region
The coccygeal region comprises the coccyx, or tailbone, which is the final segment of the vertebral column. The coccyx is made up of four vertebrae that fuse together during adulthood.
