Vertebral Column Research Paper

he backbone (vertebral column) is the central axis of the skeleton. It extends from the base of the skull to the bottom of the pelvis. It consists of 26 individual bones grouped into five separate regions; The vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, one sacral bone and one coccygeal bone. (Cinnamon L. VanPutte, Jennifer L. Regan, Andrew F. Russo, McGraw-Hill, 2010.) The Vertebral column also host major curvatures; The sacral and thoracic both concaving anteriorly and the lumbar and cervical concaving posteriorly.

Each region host a number a vertebrae that tie into their functioning. The vertebral column consists of thirty-three vertebrae. Twenty-four pre-sacral vertebrae: seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar. The sacrum hosting five fused sacral vertebrae and the coccyx hosting four
Each region within the vertebral column contributes to the major functions within the vertebral column. The vertebral Body is the weight bearing component that supports increasing amount of weight in the body. The cervical vertebrae are smaller and help with movement in the head. The lumbar vertebrae is the largest and helps to support the upper body weight. Thoracic vertebrae helps to with the ribs, and the sacrum and coccyx are the control of the tailbone.

The anatomical features all contribute to the functions of the vertebral column. Each feature works within the next to create and keep structure of the skeletal system. In both the body and the arch they each individually have sections that construct an hold up the neck, spine and tailbone as well as connecting joints and protecting internal organs. Although they are all within their own region and support different bone, joints etc. they all contribute to the vertebral column and its constant working