The Spine
It is a rod like structure with joints all the way along its length. Starting at the base of the skull it runs all the way to your tailbone or coccyx. It plays a supportive role for the skull and body against gravity and protects the nerves which run through the spinal canal and exit at different levels (see diagram).
The spine consists of building blocks (the vertebra) and the cushions in between (discs). There are a total of 33 vertebra, these are separated into 7neck bones (cervical vertebra), 12 mid back bones (thoracic vertebra) and 5 low back bones (lumbar vertebra). There are also 5 sacral vertebra located below the lumbar vertebra which are fused together to form the sacrum. Finally, below this is the coccyx which is made up of 4 small fused bones.
The cervical vertebra are the most mobile of the vertebra. The top one which cradles the skull is called the atlas. The second one, the axis, supports the atlas and allows it to pivot left and right. The entire neck is also able to bend forward, backwards and to each side due to the shape and size of the vertebra.
The thoracic vertebra have the ribs attached to them, which form the ribcage to protect the heart and lungs. As the vertebra have ribs attached they allow very little movement but ensure the chest area is very strong. The movement they allow is rotation to the left and right.
The lumbar part of the spine contains the 5 large lumbar vertebra. The reason they are so large is to support the weight of the upper body and due to their position they allow forward and backward movement.
The sacrum forms the keystone of the spine and its wedge shape allows a firm fixture between the spine and pelvis. The pelvis is a bowl shaped ring, which has two main functions. To act as a stable connection between the legs and body, as well as to protect many important internal organs.
The coccyx has no function in the movement of the body, in fact it has only ever been noticed if it is injured during a fall or childbirth. If injured it is extremely painful and sitting down is difficult.
For further information please contact an osteopath by following the link below:
The Spine
The spine consists of building blocks (the vertebra) and the cushions in between (discs). There are a total of 33 vertebra, these are separated into 7neck bones (cervical vertebra), 12 mid back bones (thoracic vertebra) and 5 low back bones (lumbar vertebra). There are also 5 sacral vertebra located below the lumbar vertebra which are fused together to form the sacrum. Finally, below this is the coccyx which is made up of 4 small fused bones.
The cervical vertebra are the most mobile of the vertebra. The top one which cradles the skull is called the atlas. The second one, the axis, supports the atlas and allows it to pivot left and right. The entire neck is also able to bend forward, backwards and to each side due to the shape and size of the vertebra.
The thoracic vertebra have the ribs attached to them, which form the ribcage to protect the heart and lungs. As the vertebra have ribs attached they allow very little movement but ensure the chest area is very strong. The movement they allow is rotation to the left and right.
The lumbar part of the spine contains the 5 large lumbar vertebra. The reason they are so large is to support the weight of the upper body and due to their position they allow forward and backward movement.
The sacrum forms the keystone of the spine and its wedge shape allows a firm fixture between the spine and pelvis. The pelvis is a bowl shaped ring, which has two main functions. To act as a stable connection between the legs and body, as well as to protect many important internal organs.
The coccyx has no function in the movement of the body, in fact it has only ever been noticed if it is injured during a fall or childbirth. If injured it is extremely painful and sitting down is difficult.
For further information please contact an osteopath by following the link below:
The Spine
