What is the vertebra?
The vertebrae are bones that form the spine. Apart from structural support, the vertebrae also form the channel within which the spinal cord flows. Damage to the structure or to the intervertebral discs that hold the vertebrae together, can lead to serious health problems ranging from scoliosis to hernias.
Vertebrae are the 33 individual bones that stack on top of one another to form the spinal column. Depending on their location, the spinal column consist of seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae in addition to five fused vertebrae of the sacral region and four fused vertebrae forming the coccyx.
Each vertebra is made up of a large bone called the vertebral body, or centrum overcome by a neural arch. The arch extends to form the intervertebral foramen, through which the spinal cord passes through. The arch includes the spinous process, two transverse processes where the back muscles connect to the vertebrae, and the pedicle that connects the two sides of the lamina. The one side between the spinous process and the transverse process is known as the foil, while that between the transverse process and the vertebral body is known as the stalk. At the meeting point of the lamina and pedicle, the facet joints are seen. The facet joints are the two upper parts of the vertebra that link the vertebrae together and give them the flexibility to move against each other.
The spinous process of the cervical vertebrae has the greatest range of motion due to two specialized vertebrae: one called atlas that supports the weight of the head and the second called axis, or odontoid process, that fits within the ring of the atlas. The thoracic vertebra is characterized by the presence of facets that are attached with ribs to create a thoracic cage, which protects the internal organs of the chest. Finally, the sacrum is a large shaped vertebra at the inferior end of the spine. The nerves that enter the sacrum exit through holes, which branch out to form anterior and posterior views.
What function does the vertebra serve?
Regardless of their location, all vertebrae have unique features that help them perform their three basic functions. The vertebral body provides structural support and bears body weight (resistant to pressure and loading). The vertebral arches form the vertebral foramen, which is the channel through which the spinal cord flows through, and provide protection to it. Finally, the transverse processes serve as points of attachment for the muscles and provide controlled movement and flexibility.
The spinal cord is a column of nerves that connect the brain to the rest of the body, allowing movement control. Without it, movement of any kind would not be possible and organs would not be able to function. It is essential to treat any problems regarding the spine such as back aches or spinal misalignments. Chiropractic treatment is often used to help correct vertebral subluxation (spinal misalignments) and relieve back pain, neck pain and headaches. Choosing the most appropriate form of treatment can help an individual carry out living an active lifestyle and prevent complications from arising in the future.
