Vertebral column

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(Redirected from Human vertebral column)

(ver-TEE-brul KAH-lum) The bones called vertebrae, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone.

Vertebral column
Vertebral column

Function[edit | edit source]

The vertebral column encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

Other names[edit | edit source]

Also called backbone, spinal column, and spine.

Vertebrae[edit | edit source]

The vertebrae (back bones) of the spine include the cervical spine (C1-C7), thoracic spine (T1-T12), lumbar spine (L1-L5), sacral spine (S1-S5), and the tailbone.

Muscles of the back
Muscles of the back

Intervertebral disc[edit | edit source]

Each vertebra is separated by a disc.

Spinal cord[edit | edit source]

The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is divided into segments, each containing a pair of spinal nerves that send messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Spine with cord
Spine with cord

Cauda equina[edit | edit source]

Many spinal nerves extend beyond the conus medullaris (the end of the spinal cord) to form a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina.

Vertebral column Resources
Wikipedia




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