The Spinal Column and the intervertebral discs
Standing upright, sitting, stooping or turning one’s head – the spinal column enables movements and activities in different directions, and at the same time guarantees stability. The exact interaction of bones, ligaments, sinews, discs, muscles and nerves ensure that the spinal column can optimally implement all these tasks.
S-Curves for Flexibility and Stability
If examined from the side, the curves of the spinal column resemble a double-S. These curves make sure that our body is able to cushion collisions and jumps and is optimally supported. From behind however, a healthy spinal column looks like a straight rod.
Structure of the Spinal Column
The spinal column is structured into the cervical spine with 7 cervical vertebrae, the thoracic spine with 12 thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar spine with 5 lumbar vertebrae. Attached to the lumbar vertebrae are the sacral and tailbone. Between the vertbrae the intervertebral discs act as buffers.
Buffer-technique within the back
The intervertebral discs are cartinagulous conjunctions between the individual vertebrae and act as buffers. They consist of a high water content and soft, gelatinous nucleus, coated by a cartilaginous fiber ring. So they cushion jolting, and enable the vertebrae a better mobility. The foramen is situated between the vertebra and the intervertebral disc. Here, the spinal nerves leave the protected area to the left and right. Wear or bearing too much weight can be the causes of problems of the invertebral discs.
Vertebra as a weight carrier
A vertebra is composed of a massive front vertebral body and the rear smaller vertebral arch with the vertebral joints and vertebral processes. The vertebral body acts as a carrier, whilst the spinal cord and intradural nerve fibers run in the protected canal of vertebral arches . The muscles are attached at both of the transverse processes, as well as at the spinous process.
