The human spine is the support of his body; it is thanks to it that representatives of Homo Sapiens can move freely on two legs. It has a peculiar anatomical shape in the form of the English letter S. It is this structure that allows it to provide flexibility, the ability to bend, turn and take different poses. The balance of strength and elasticity is maintained by bone segments - vertebrae and discs located between them, made of cartilage tissue. It is this structure that allows you to support the entire body, from the top of your head to your heels.
Main functions
The human spine is a complex system that ensures activity, motor skills, and stability. It is the basis of the skeleton and is responsible for a variety of functions in the body. The amazing structure allows the organ to fully perform the tasks assigned to it. The main ones are:
- Support for the whole body. It is the spine that withstands all the loads on the body and maintains balance in any position. This is the foundation on which the head, chest, shoulder girdle and limbs rest.
- Protective. Strong bone tissue reliably protects the spinal cord from all types of mechanical influences. This organ is responsible for many vital processes in the body, so nature made sure that it was surrounded not only by bone, but also by cartilage and ligaments.
- Motor. Thanks to the well-thought-out anatomy of the spine, a person is able to bend at the desired angle, squat, and pick up a fallen object from the floor without any obstacles.
- Depreciation. Allows you to reduce loads when applying pressure during sudden movements or negative influences. This is an important task to ensure the safety of the vertebrae and minimize the likelihood of injury. This is especially true when performing jumps, throws, and running.
Each of these functions is extremely important for ensuring human health and maintaining a high quality of life. Any violations can lead to the loss of the spine’s ability to perform its tasks, be it injury or disease.
What sections of the ridge are there?
The musculoskeletal system is a complex system that consists of many departments. Its basis is the ridge located in the middle of the back. It is a strong bone structure that is surrounded by soft tissue, ligaments and cartilage. The spinal column represents a continuous chain of individual elements (from 32 to 34 in total), but for convenience they are divided into sections:
- Cervical - 7 vertebrae.
- Thoracic - 12 vertebrae.
- Lumbar – 5 vertebrae.
- Sacral – 5 vertebrae.
- Coccygeal – 3–5 vertebrae.
Each individual segment consists of a body, processes, a canal located inside and an arch. It is this structure that allows them not to deform during life and not collapse. The groove located inside the body allows the spinal cord to run along the ridge to the brain in a single canal, thanks to the arches it is maximally protected. The transverse processes are located on both sides of the vertebral arch, and have special openings that are intended for veins and arteries that supply vital organs and internal systems. The articular processes are attached to the top and bottom of the vertebra and ensure the proper functioning of the discs that connect the individual elements.
The vertebral body primarily protects the bone marrow and circulatory system from damage, compression and other negative influences. The dense bone shell is strong enough and at the same time flexible to support the integrity of the spine and at the same time maintain its good mobility.
Features of the formation of the spine in childhood
- The main age-related feature of the bone part of the spinal column is the process of closing the growth zones of vertebral elements (apophyses), which continues until the age of 15-16 years.
- The vertebral bodies have central feeding arteries that become empty as they grow older.
- The ligamentous apparatus of the spine in children is more elastic and more extensible than in adults.
- The increased elasticity of the intervertebral discs and ligamentous apparatus causes increased mobility of the child’s spine. At the same time, the weak stabilizing function of the intervertebral discs, combined with increased extensibility of the ligamentous apparatus, creates the preconditions for the occurrence of instability of the SMS.
Features of the cervical spine
The cervical spine has an interesting design, since it is the most mobile of all other areas. Its anatomical feature lies in the ability to turn the head, tilt it, and perform a variety of movements. It consists of 7 vertebrae, which are connected to each other by cartilage. Their main functions are:
- Support of the head and its normal movement.
- Connection of the brain and spinal cord (center of the central nervous system and peripheral system).
- Articulation with the skull due to a special
- Saturation of the brain with blood due to the presence of an opening in the lateral section.
What protects the spine in this area? Nervous system and spinal cord from damage. Each individual segment is responsible for certain organs, so when it is damaged, complications associated with them appear. It's easier to imagine this in diagram form:
| Vertebra | What is he responsible for? | Signs of damage |
| C1 | The work of the brain and its blood supply, the supply of useful components to it. | Headaches, neurosis, dizziness, sleep disturbance |
| C2 | Visual organ, tongue, frontal part, optic nerves. | Increased sweating, migraines, hypochondria, neurasthenia |
| C3 | Cheeks, facial bones, outer ear, teeth | Impaired sense of smell or vision, decreased hearing, neurological disorders |
| C4 | Mouth, nose, lips | Neurasthenia, adenoids, sinus pathologies |
| C5 | Vocal cords and pharynx | Sore throat, hoarseness, oral diseases. |
| C6 | Muscle tissues of the neck, shoulders, tonsils | Laryngitis, Chronic cough, shortness of breath, asthma. |
| C7 | Elbows, shoulders, thyroid gland | Arthrosis, respiratory pathologies, bronchitis |
Knowing what protects the spinal region in the neck area, you can understand that injuries in this part are most dangerous. Therefore, in sports or professional activities, if there is a direct threat, they try to protect the shoulder girdle as much as possible. The table shows in detail what each vertebra is responsible for, and what any violations in its segment lead to.
Interesting information! The upper vertebra is called Atlas, since, like the hero of ancient myths, it supports the firmament, namely the vault of the skull.
Structural features
The vertebrae have different shapes and sizes, but on three sides they are covered with dense tissue and are the site of the exit of blood vessels. The change in their volume is observed from top to bottom, from the cervical to the lumbar region. In the sacral area they form into a stationary section that connects the spinal column with the pelvic bones and legs. The vertebrae in the coccyx area are small in size. They have no arches and their body is poorly developed.
The height of the vertebral units is the same, with the exception of the fifth vertebra in the lumbar region. It has a wedge shape. The spinous processes extend at different angles in the spine:
- in the neck and lower back – horizontally;
- at the level of 5-9 thoracic vertebrae - at acute angles;
- in the upper and lower parts of the thoracic region - in an intermediate position.
The main base that serves to secure muscle and ligamentous tissues are the transverse and spinous processes. The joints of adjacent structures create facet joints, which allow the spine to move forward and backward.
The spinal motion segment is formed:
- from the intervertebral disc;
- two adjacent joints;
- ligaments
Mobility indicators in individual complexes are minimal, but the overall structure helps ensure mobility and flexibility of the spinal column in different directions.
Characteristics of the thoracic region
The peculiarity of this area is its unusual shape, it resembles the letter “C”. This position is anatomically correct and is called kyphosis. In this place, the vertebrae are connected to the ribs; the department participates in the formation of the chest. Of all the other areas, this is the least mobile; because of this, pathological processes develop here less frequently than in other places. The distance between individual segments is minimal. The main task of the skeleton in this place is to protect the heart, lungs and other vital organs from any negative influences.
Vertebrae are short bones with a sponge-like structure. They are connected to each other by discs made of dense cartilage tissue. A distinctive feature of the segments in this part of the ridge is the presence of rib notches; in addition, there are other unusual details:
- The first vertebra deserves special attention; it has a full articular fossa in its body, through which articulation is achieved with the head of the first rib; on its lower part there is a half-fossa for the head of the second rib.
- The tenth vertebra has only one semi-fossa on top.
- On the 11th and 12th vertebrae there is only one complete articular fossa.
The spinal canal in the thoracic region is narrower than in other regions, so the appearance of any diseases or neoplasms leads to pinching. Symptoms are always pronounced, which simplifies the diagnosis process.
The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae, designated by the letter D, the numbers sequential from top to bottom. The load on the segments in this area is quite large, due to the close location of the respiratory organs. Damage is very dangerous, as it leads to serious failures of internal organs.
Features of the lumbar spine
The area is quite specific, as it consists of only five vertebrae, but at the same time the most important functions are assigned to it. It is this part that bears the maximum load, and the individual segments here are the largest. Some people have a congenital pathology such as lumbarization. It is characterized by the appearance of a sixth, not quite typical, vertebra. It does not interfere with moving quietly, sitting or performing any physical activities, but it does not provide any benefit. The characteristic features of the department are:
The structure of the intervertebral disc
- The spinal cord ends at the second vertebra in the lumbar region.
- The disc, as an integral part of the vertebra, is completely devoid of nerve endings.
- This part accounts for the majority of pathologies and degenerative processes developing in the back area.
- The vertebrae in this section are stronger than the others, while maintaining excellent flexibility, allowing flexion and rotational movements.
The lumbar region has a characteristic curve - lordosis, which is anatomically correct and allows you to maintain the body in the correct position and correctly distribute the load on the lower limbs. This part of the spinal core is responsible for the normal performance of physical exercises, be it bending, lifting weights, running, squats, or jumping.
Visual representation of the spine in the lumbar region
There is also a connection between the vertebrae and parts of the body; almost all of them are responsible for the functioning of the internal organs located in the pelvic area.
Vitamins for the back
B¹ (thiamine)
What is he doing? Improves nutrition of nerve tissue.
Where is it kept? Bran bread, rice, dairy products, meat, nuts.
Calcium
What is he doing? Responsible for bone strength.
Where is it kept? Cheese, milk, kefir, green onions, parsley.
B² (riboflavin)
What is he doing? Provides elasticity of cartilage tissue.
Cheerful morning. How to wake up correctly? More details
Where is it kept? Beef liver, meat, eggs, buckwheat, green vegetables.
B (pyride-oxine)
What is he doing? Improves metabolism and nutrition of spinal tissues.
Where is it kept? Walnuts, hazelnuts, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage.
Magnesium
What is he doing? Improves the transmission of nerve impulses.
Where is it kept? Cashews, sunflower seeds, bran bread, buckwheat, oatmeal.
B¹² (cyanocobalamin)
What is he doing? Eliminates inflammatory processes, improves metabolism.
Where is it kept? Beef liver, red meat, poultry, cheese, legumes.
Article on the topic
We've finished it. How to properly treat your back with movement
Features of the sacrococcygeal region
The sacrum and coccyx vertebrae are fused with each other, so the sections, although divided conditionally, are closely connected. The main task of this area is the protection of internal systems located in the pelvis. In women, it is involved in reproductive function, being responsible for childbirth. Thanks to the mobility of the tailbone, the human body is able to freely bend forward and make turns, and sit on a flat surface. The sacrum remains motionless all the time; its shape resembles a bit of a triangle or an inverted pyramid.
The appearance of the vertebra in the sacrum resembles a small wedge that continues the lumbar region and forms the coccyx. The section consists of three or five bones, depending on the individual characteristics of the body.
A visual representation of the structure of the coccyx and sacrum
The difference between different departments is very noticeable even when viewed from a distance, but they all act synchronously, as a single whole, ensuring body mobility and normal physical activity.
Interesting! Some scientists believe that the sacrum is a remnant reminiscent of the existence of a tail in humans. Others find no basis for such a theory.
The structure of intervertebral discs
The spine consists of individual elements that are fixed together by cartilage tissue. This layer is called the intervertebral disc. Its main task is depreciation, reducing the load on the spine, distributing it evenly, and ensuring sufficient flexibility. The fabric itself is elastic, but dense enough to withstand mechanical stress. Violation of the integrity of the disc usually leads to the development of a number of serious pathologies.
The numbering of the discs starts with 1 and ends with 23, all of which make up approximately ¼ of the entire height of the spinal column. What does each such element consist of? Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. It is this design that allows you to successfully neutralize any strong shocks and vibrations, preventing friction between the vertebrae and their premature wear. The joint height in each department is different. In the cervical region, the average value is within 5–6 mm, in the thoracic part 0 3–5 mm, and in the lower back – 10 cm, here the cartilage looks like a large part of the bone.
The statics and dynamics of the spine are normal
The spine is the musculoskeletal organ of the torso and head and the protective case for the spinal cord. From a biomechanical point of view, the spine is similar to a kinematic chain consisting of individual links. Each vertebra articulates with its neighbor at three points: at two intervertebral articulations at the back and the bodies (through the intervertebral disc) at the front. The joints between the articular processes constitute true joints. Located one above the other, the vertebrae form two columns - the anterior one, built from the vertebral bodies, and the posterior one, formed from the arches and intervertebral joints.
The mobility of the spine, its elasticity and resilience, and the ability to withstand heavy loads are largely ensured by the intervertebral discs, which are in close anatomical and functional connection with all the formations that form the spinal column. The intervertebral disc plays a leading role in biomechanics, being the “soul” of spinal movement. Being a complex anatomical formation, the disc performs the following functions:
- connection of the vertebrae;
— ensuring mobility of the spinal column;
- protection of the vertebral bodies from constant trauma (depreciation role).
An anatomical complex consisting of one intervertebral disc, two adjacent vertebrae with corresponding joints and ligaments at a given level is called a vertebral segment. The intervertebral disc consists of two hyaline plates, tightly adjacent to the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus, being a remnant of the dorsal chord, contains an intermediate substance - chondrin, a small number of cartilaginous cells and interwoven collagen fibers, forming a kind of capsule and giving the nucleus elasticity. In its center there is a cavity, the volume of which is normally 1-1.5 cm3. The fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc consists of dense connective tissue bundles intertwined in different directions. The central bundles of the fibrous ring are located loosely and gradually pass into the nuclear capsule, while the peripheral bundles are closely adjacent to each other and are embedded in the bone marginal edging.
The posterior semicircle of the ring is weaker than the anterior one, especially in the lumbar and cervical spine. The lateral and anterior sections of the intervertebral disc protrude slightly beyond the bone tissue, since the disc is slightly wider than the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. The height of the lumbar vertebral bodies is almost the same and equals 25-28 mm, while the height of the discs increases in the caudal direction, amounting to the height of the vertebral body (approximately 9 mm); their shape approaches wedge-shaped, and their area is on average 14 cm2.
Cartilaginous hyaline plates are very strong and withstand high stress under all types of spinal load. The anterior longitudinal ligament, being the periosteum, is firmly fused with the vertebral bodies and freely spreads over the disc. The posterior longitudinal ligament, which participates in the formation of the anterior wall of the spinal canal, on the contrary, freely spreads over the surface of the vertebral bodies and is fused to the disc. This ligament is massive in the central part. It thins outwards, that is, towards the intervertebral foramina. In addition to the discs and longitudinal ligaments, the vertebrae are connected by two intervertebral joints formed by articular processes that have features in different sections. These processes limit the intervertebral foramina through which the nerve roots emerge. The connection of the arches and processes of adjacent vertebrae is carried out by a system of ligaments: the yellow interspinous, supraspinous and intertransverse. The ligamentum flavum, being antagonists of the ligaments of the vertebral bodies, functionally unloads the discs, preventing their excessive compression.
Innervation of the outer parts of the fibrous ring, posterior longitudinal ligament of the periosteum, joint capsule, vessels and membranes of the spinal cord is carried out by n. sinuvertebralis, consisting of sympathetic and somatic fibers. In terms of the degree of saturation with receptors and the richness of nerve plexuses, the periosteum of the vertebrae is not inferior to the pia mater, in which the nerve elements are most abundant.
Vascularization of the disc in children and young people is carried out by vessels penetrating into it from the spongy substance of adjacent vertebrae. Already from the age of 12-13 years, obliteration of the vessels of the disc begins, which ends by the age of 23-27, that is, by the time the growth of the spine ends. In an adult, the intervertebral disc is avascular; it is nourished by diffusion through the hyaline plates. However, when a disc ruptures, the newly formed scar tissue may become vascularized.
The listed anatomical features, as well as data from comparative anatomy, made it possible to consider the intervertebral disc as a semi-joint. In this case, the nucleus pulposus, containing synovial fluid, is compared with the joint cavity; The vertebral endplates, covered with hyaline cartilage, are likened to articular ends, and the fibrous ring is considered as a joint capsule and ligamentous apparatus. This analogy is confirmed by degenerative disc disease (osteochondrosis), which occurs as typical arthrosis of any joint.
The static function of the disc is related to shock absorption. The discs provide flexibility and smooth movement of the intervertebrae and the entire spine as a whole. The nucleus pulposus has significant turgor and hydrophilicity. It is under constant pressure in the thickness of the fibrous ring surrounding it on the sides, and cartilaginous plates above and below. Nuclear turgor changes within significant limits: when the load decreases, it increases - and vice versa. The significant pressure inside the core can be judged by the fact that after staying in a horizontal position for several hours, the melting of the discs lengthens the spine by more than 2 cm, and the difference in a person’s height during the day can reach 4 cm. Decrease in height in old age (up to 7 cm) is due to the loss of hydrophilicity (“drying”) of the disc.
The pressure of the nucleus pulposus manifests itself especially demonstrably when the resistance of the spongy substance of the adjacent vertebral bodies decreases as a result of osteochondrosis (for example, with hormonal spondylopathy) - a severe disorder of mineral metabolism caused by the shutdown of the function of the gonads.
The discs become so convex that, approaching each other, they almost touch; the vertebral bodies are reduced, taking the shape of a biconcave lens (“fish vertebrae”).
The intervertebral disc is a typical hydrostatic system. Since liquids are practically incompressible, any pressure acting on the core is transmitted evenly in all directions. The annulus fibrosus holds the nucleus by tension of its fibers and absorbs most of the energy. Thanks to the elastic properties of the disc, shocks and shocks transmitted to the spine, spinal cord and brain when walking, running, and jumping are significantly softened. The desire of the nucleus pulposus to melt is transmitted in the form of uniform pressure on the fibrous ring and hyaline plates. This pressure is balanced by the tension of the fibrous ring connecting the vertebrae and the tone of the trunk muscles. The opposition of these two forces is the key to understanding the degenerative processes of the spine. Theoretical calculations of many authors have shown that very large forces act on the lumbar spine. To answer many questions of biomechanics, which have not only theoretical but also practical significance, it was necessary to directly study intradiscal pressure.
In a clinical setting, studies of intradiscal pressure were carried out in patients (with lumbar pain), who were divided into two groups (with initial signs of osteochondrosis). A “lateral” extradural approach was used to insert a measuring needle into the disc. Pressure was measured in various postures and positions of patients: lying, sitting and standing, as well as in combination with loads - holding loads, bending the body, straining. Intradiscal pressure in patients of the first group in the lateral or prone position was always higher than in normal or moderately degenerated preparations, and averaged 3.3 kg/cm2; this additional load is due to the tone of the trunk muscles.
Author: V.I. Dikul
Possible diseases
The spine of a modern person is subject to a number of unfavorable factors that provoke the development of a variety of diseases. This is a sedentary lifestyle, constant stay in an uncomfortable position, poor nutrition, deficiency of calcium and other nutrients. As a result, the following pathologies may appear:
- Ankylosing spondylitis. It provokes the covering of bone tissue with calcium growths, which limits its movement and leads to disability. It occurs more often in men, but it is also diagnosed in women.
- Intervertebral hernia. One of the most common pathologies of the spinal column. It is provoked by obesity, lack of moderate physical activity or excessive sports training. Leads to loss of the nucleus from the annulus fibrosus. It can be treated traditionally or surgically.
- Oncology education. It is a dangerous pathology that is becoming more common in the modern world. Appears in different departments and without surgery poses a serious threat to life and health.
- Osteochondrosis. It occurs in almost every modern person in the initial stage. It can develop unnoticed for a long time and provoke the development of serious complications. It manifests itself as back pain, poor posture or loss of sensitivity in a certain area.
- Osteoporosis. The gradual leaching of calcium from bones makes them brittle and brittle. In later stages, it occurs mainly in older people. Manifested by problems with teeth or nails. It is treated with specific exercises and vitamin complexes.
You can prevent the occurrence of any types of spinal diseases by taking good care of your health. To do this, people at any age are recommended to play sports, or at least do simple exercises every day in the form of exercises. And it is also important to remember about the correct position of the back during work, high-quality nutrition, taking vitamin complexes, monitoring normal body weight, and avoiding excessive physical activity.
The spine is a support for the whole body; it is a complex structure that is subject to daily stress and negative factors. It is divided conditionally into several departments, which are assigned certain functions by nature. They differ from each other in the structure of their vertebrae.