Vertebrae

Usually, a vertebral bone (vertebra) consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and bone processes specials that arise from the arch.

The body of each vertebra comprises the front of each vertebra.

The vertebral arch is a partial circle of bone that is connected to the back of the body; that consists of pedicles and blades (parts of the vertebra important for certain surgical procedures).

The vertebral body and vertebral arch complete a circle to form the spinal canal, through which the spinal cord and the spinal nerves pass.

Bone processes Specialized arc derivatives include a spinous process, two transverse processes and four articular facets (joint processes).

Throughout the spine, the size and shape of the spinal parts differ to accommodate the function of that particular region of the spine.

In the neck, the cervical vertebrae they have short spinous processes and the transverse processes have a special canal (transverse hole) for blood vessels to the brain.

Of the first two cervical vertebrae:

• The Atlas (C1), that supports the head, it has no vertebral body. It is the superior articulation of the atlas with the skull that allows the head to nod, como cuando se dice “sí”.
• The Axis (C2) has a unique vertical projection called the odontoid process or tooth, which acts as a pivot for the rotation of the atlas and skull, como cuando una persona vuelve su cabeza a cada lado para indicar la palabra “no”.

The position of the facet joints in the thoracic vertebrae allow for rotation significant spinal column in this region, how could it be used during a swing golf, but the long spinous process of these vertebrae, besides the rib cage, act by limiting the degree of movement in the middle back.

The lumbar vertebrae occupy a third of the entire spine, are characterized by their greater volume and the lack of transverse foramen.

They act to block almost all rotation in the lower back. This helps protect the lumbar discs., that can be damaged by rotation.

Orientation of the lumbar facets, Nevertheless, allows a lot of forward (flexion) and back (extension). The spinous processes of the lumbar spine are short and robust, and the bodies of the vertebrae are getting bigger to support the increased weight from above.

La columna vertebral normal tiene forma de una ” S “ (like the curve when viewed from the side). This allows for even weight distribution.

La curva en forma de “S” ayuda a tener una columna vertebral sana y soportar todo tipo de estrés.

The cervical spine curves slightly inward, chest slightly out, and the lumbar vertebrae slightly inward.

Even though the lower portion of the spine carries most of the body's weight, each segment relies on the strength of the others to function properly.

Cervical vertebrae (Neck)

The cervical vertebrae make up the first seven vertebrae in the spine..

They start just below the skull and end just above the thoracic vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae have a lordótica curve, que tiene un retroceso en forma de “C”, like the lower back.

The cervical vertebrae are much more mobile than the other two regions of the spine. Think of all the directions and angles that you can turn around your neck.

Unlike the rest of the spine, there are special openings in each vertebra in the cervical area for the arteries (large blood vessels that carry blood from the heart).

The arteries that pass through these openings carry blood to the brain.

Two vertebrae of the cervical spine, the atlas and axis, differ from the other vertebrae as they are specifically designed for rotation.

These two vertebrae are the reason why your neck can move in many directions..

The atlas

It is the first cervical vertebra, found between the skull and the rest of the spine.

The atlas does not have a vertebral body, but it has a thick front arch (anterior) and a rear (posterior) of the thin arch, with two prominent masses on the side.

The atlas sits on top of the second cervical vertebra, the Axis.

The Axis

Has a bump of bone called the odontoid process, which joins up through the hole in the atlas.

The ligaments Specials between the atlas and the shaft allow a large amount of rotation.

Is this special arrangement, allowing the head to be tilted from side to side as much as possible.

The cervical spine is very flexible, but you also have a higher risk of injuries from sudden strong movements, such as injuries from whiplash.

This high risk of damage is due to the limited muscular support that exists in the cervical area., y el hecho de que ésta parte de la columna vertebral tiene que soportar el peso de la cabeza – un promedio de 7 kilos-.

This is a lot of weight to carry, for a small, thin set of bones and soft tissues. Sudden and strong movements of the head can cause injury.

thoracic vertebrae (Mid back)

The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae in the middle of the back.

These vertebrae connect to the ribs and are part of the back wall of the chest. (the area of ​​the rib cage between the neck and the diaphragm).

The curve formed by the thoracic vertebrae is kyphotic, tiene una curva en forma de “C” con la apertura de al frente (the chest).

This part of the spine has very narrow and thin intervertebral discs.

Connections to the ribs and smaller discs of the thoracic spine limit the amount of movement of the spine in the mid-back compared to the lower back or cervical spine.

There is also less space inside the spinal canal.

Lumbar vertebrae (Lower back)

The lowest part of the spine is made up of the lumbar vertebrae.

This area usually has five vertebrae. Nevertheless, sometimes people are born with a sixth vertebra in the lumbar region.

The base of the column (called the sacrum) is a group of specialized vertebrae that connect the spine to the pelvis.

When one of the bones forms something like a vertebra (which is rather part of the sacrum), it is called transitional or sixth vertebra.

This condition is not dangerous and does not appear to have any serious side effects..

La forma de la columna lumbar tiene un retroceso de “C ” en forma de curva lordótica.

Si piensas en la columna vertebral con la forma de una ” S “, lumbar region sería la parte inferior de la “S”. The vertebrae in the lower back are the largest in the entire spine.

The lumbar spinal canal is also greater than in the cervical and thoracic parts of the spine. The size of the lumbar spine allows more space for the nerves to move.

The lumbar pain is a very common complaint for a simple reason. Since the lumbar spine is connected to the pelvis, which is where most of your weight load is transferred and body movement takes place.

Normally, this is an area where people tend to put a lot of pressure, as when lifting a heavy box for example, twisting to move a heavy load, or carrying a heavy object.

These activities can cause repetitive injuries that can lead to damage to parts of the lumbar vertebrae..