How does the structure of vertebrae aid in their functionSoluti.pdf
- 1. How does the structure of vertebrae aid in their function? Solution The vertebral column or the back bone is the main part of the axial skeleton performing the function of support. It comprises of 33 vertebrae,each of them having specific function and structure. Vertebrae are made up of building blocks of spines,stacked one upon the other with a disc between them.the disc provides cushion and help in the absorption of shock /load and absorbs energy. The vertebrae are further classified into the following types based on their loction : Cervical spine: it is the uppermost part of the verebral column made up of 7 vertebrae labelled as c1 to c7 from the top. Rotation of the neck is brought about by the two vertebrae. The c1 or the atlas connects the head and the rest of the spine. C2 or the axis has a bony process called the odontoid process which fits within a hole in the atlas to allow the rotation of the neck.The first spinal curve is located at the cervical spine , bent slightly inward and called the lordotic curve.The cervical spine has opening in each vertebral body that allows the blood vessels to carry blood the blood to the brain. Thoraicic spine : It is made up of 12 veretbrae labelled as T1 -T12 in the thoraicic region or the chest region.The vertebral curve is bent outwards like backward C and is called the kyphotic curve.This region shows less motion and hence subjected to less wear and tear. Lumbar spine: Has 5 vertebrae L1-L5 connects the spine and the pelvis. .Bear maximum weight of the body and have the largest vertebrae.The cuve is bent inward . The paired facets , joints on the cback are aligned in such a way that they allow the flexion and extension but not rotation. Sacrum lies below the lumbar and is made up of many number of fused small bone and forms the base of the spine and the back of pelvis. This is followed by the coccyx or the tail bone made up of sevral small bones. All the vertebrae are made up of : vertebral body: which is cylindrical,bony with discs to absorb shock.Carries most of the weight. spinous processes: Posterior or the rear portions of the vertebrae. Laminae : two small plates that join in the back of the vertebrae. Pedicels:short thick bones on either side of the vertebrae which help in the attachment of the muscles and tendons. pedicels :Short bumpy backward projecting structures from the upper part. transverse processes: bony projections on either side of the vertebra where the laminae join the
- 2. pedicles which help in the Muscles and ligaments attachment of Muscles and ligament to the spine— These are the spinal joints, the areas on the spine where one vertebra comes into contact with another. facet joints— these are the spinal joints, the areas on the spine where one vertebra comes into contact with another.allow vertebrae to move against one another allow felxibility and movement.help us in bending forward and backward and also side to side.the spinal canal allows the spinal cord and the nerves to pass thropugh.