Anatomy of the spine

Question 1

Purpose of the spine

Answer 1

1. Protection of the spinal cord
2. Provides central axis for movement
3. Protects the internal organs
4. Shock absorption
5. Site of muscle and rib attachments

Question 2

Structure of the spine

Answer 2

4 Segments

Cervical:
Lordotic, 7 vertebrae

Thoracic:
Kyphotic, 12 Vertebrae

Lumbar:
Lordotic, 5 Vertebrae

Sacrum+Coccyx:
Kyphotic, 7-8 Vertebrae fused together

Question 3

Intervertebral discs

Answer 3

Provide shock absorption between the vertebrae
Provide mobility

Made of two components
Annulus fibrosus
-Outer layer
Nucleus pulposus
-Gel-like center