Definition of Vertebral Column
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
By Cecilia Bembibre, in Oct. 2012
The spinal column is one of the most important structures in the organism of many living beings, especially in that of the human being. This osteofibrocartilaginous structure is composed of several elements and has an elongated shape and slightly curved in some sections. It is located in the back of the body and serves as a support for the rest of the skeleton, in addition to being responsible for contain the information that the neurological system needs regarding the mobility of the limbs and other parts of the Body.
The main objective of the spinal column is to support the rest of the skeleton and also has the very important function of protecting the spinal cord that runs through the interior of the vertebrae and where the information related to the mobility of the body lies. On the other hand, the spinal column is what maintains, within this support function, the organism in relation to its center of gravity, preventing the organism from falling and disarming or lose shape. In the case of humans, the only
mammal permanently bipedal, the spinal column is in position vertical, in the back of the body, while in other vertebrates, it is usually located horizontally in the area of the back of the animal.The spinal column, as its name implies, is made up of vertebrae. These are small bony formations of irregular shape that are located in a staggered and concatenated manner between yes, within which the spinal cord is located that is responsible for the movements of much of the Body. In the case of the human spine, we must speak of a sum of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five regions according to their location: region cervical (in the neck area), region dorsal (the longest of all, with 12 vertebrae, in the area of the back), lumbar region (in the lower area of the back), sacral region (in the pelvic area) and finally the coccygeal region (where the bone of the coccyx).
Proper care of the spine is of utmost importance since possible injuries in the region can mean very serious alterations to the mobility of the person. Some of the most common injuries are improper curvatures of the spine that can lead to muscle aches or pains. lost mobility in the limbs, impingement or crushing of the vertebrae, rupture of the same, loss or damage of the spinal cord, etc. In the most severe cases, these injuries can mean total paralysis or partial limbs and lifelong difficulties due to the delicacy of the area and its complicated Recovery.
Topics in Spine