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| For more information about your spine, and causes of back pain, click a link below | ||||
| Spinal Column & its functions Spine Diagrams Back Disorders Structure Of the Vertebrae |
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| Spinal
Column & its functions |
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Spine
- Spinal column is made up of 26 bones: 24 uniquely shaped vertebrae
plus the sacrum and the tail bone( Coccyx) which is located at the
end of back bone. Between each vertebra is a "cushion" called
an intervertebral disk. On the anterior side of each vertebra is the
vertebral body, which is in the shape of an oval disk. On the posterior
side of each vertebra is an opening through which the spinal cord
passes. Surrounding this opening is the vertebral arch; on the posterior
side of the vertebral arch are the spinous process, and the
left and right transverse processes. Each transverse process has an
articular process above and below. Function and Characteristics - When the spinal column is viewed from the back it appears to be straight, but from the side it can be seen that it is curved in the shape of letter "S". This curve functions to supported the head, which is heavy. The vertebral foreman within the vertebral arch from a vertical passage to hold the spinal cord. The number of vertebrae that make up the spinal column depends on the species of animal. In four - footed animals, the size of the vertebral bodies does not vary much, an the curve of the spine is simpler. |
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| Spine Diagrams | ||||
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| Back Disorders | ||||
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| Structure Of the Vertebrae | ||||
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