Why does a person need a spine? Just think about how important it is for the body. Indeed, in fact, this is a kind of body support, consisting of 32 or 34 vertebrae. All of them are connected to each other with the help of joints, ligaments, intervertebral discs. The latter are the so-called cartilages. It is important to know the structure of the spine, so that if problems arise with it, they can be eliminated in a timely manner.
Human Spine: Anatomy and Structure
This part of the human body is quite simple in structure, because it consists of only a few departments, each of which, in turn, includes a certain number of vertebrae (usually called them, starting from the top):
- cervical region: consists of 7 vertebrae. It is important to note that the bone that is located on the back of the skull is not considered and is called the zero vertebra;
- thoracic region: consists of 12 vertebrae;
- lumbar: consists of 5 vertebrae;
- sacral region: consists of 5 vertebrae, which in an adult fuse into the sacrum;
- coccygealdepartment: consists of 3-5 vertebrae, which fuse into one coccygeal bone.
Many of us have seen the human spine in the medical literature more than once. His photo clearly demonstrates that the vertebrae are interconnected by discs, articular processes, ligaments (by the way, they are located in front, behind and on both sides of the vertebral bodies). Such a diverse connection of the vertebrae provides the mobility to a person with which he was so generously endowed by nature. Everything is thought out to the smallest detail: ligaments are some kind of limiters that can hold the body, and the muscles around the spine provide it with maximum movement. If the load on them is great, there is back pain and general malaise.
What are the functions of the spine?
First you need to understand that each section of the spine performs certain tasks related to the normalization of the work of one or another part of your body. So, the functions of the human spine, divided into 5 sections:
- The most important role in this case is played by the thoracic region, it is he, together with the ribs and the sternum as a whole, that forms the chest. I would like to clarify that the ribs are separate bones that are attached to the spine, as if being its continuation. The chest protects the organs and provides them with immobility. But due to the fact that there are joints between the ribs and the spine, we can freely inhale and exhale.
- It is important that between the vertebrae of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical sections there are special pads in the form of discs. For example, thanks tothat there are cervical intervertebral discs, a person is able to tilt his head to both sides.
Now it is appropriate to note the functions of the spine as a whole:
- it serves as a kind of shock absorber during falls, bumps, pushes;
- the spinal cord is located in the spine, it is thanks to it that the body is a single whole (it connects the brain and all other parts of the body);
- due to the fact that the human spine binds the whole body, the skeleton becomes rigid, and the head is easily kept upright;
- promotes the mobility of a person, which is necessary for him in life;
- it is on the spine that all the main muscles and hips are held.
What is the function of the cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae?
For starters, it would be nice to understand what an intervertebral disc is. In simple terms, this is a kind of layer between two adjacent vertebrae.
The shape is rounded, similar to a pill. The structure of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral disc is very complex.
The center is occupied by the nucleus pulposus, which is the shock-absorbing element with every movement of the spine. This is because its structure is very elastic.
Note that the vertebrae, despite mobility, do not move relative to each other at all. All due to the fact that the fibrous ring is located around the nucleus in the intervertebral disc. Its structure is not simple due to the large number of different layers. Contains this ringmany fibers. All this connects and intersects in three directions. Strong and durable. But due to the fact that the intervertebral discs tend to wear out over time, the fibers can gradually turn into scars. This disease is called osteochondrosis. By the way, it often causes severe pain. As a result, the annulus fibrosus may rupture, and then surgery is unlikely to be avoided.
An interesting fact is that no vessels pass through the intervertebral disc of an adult. Some may object and ask the question of how he then eats. This process occurs due to the penetration of oxygen and nutrients from the vertebrae located nearby (namely, from the vessels that permeate them). Therefore, drugs that often strive to treat diseases associated with damage to the intervertebral discs are simply useless. Here it is better to resort to laser plastic surgery, then the effect will be one hundred percent.
Based on the above features of the anatomy of the intervertebral disc, we can conclude what function the cartilaginous discs perform between the vertebrae. Firstly, they protect the spine from injury during excessive physical exertion, falls, bumps, etc. Secondly, it is with the help of them that our body is flexible and able to actively move in different directions. It is important to know that the thickness of the intervertebral discs can be different. It all depends on the part of the spine in which they are located:
- cervical: 5-6 mm;
- thoracic: the thinnest discs - 3-4 mm;
-lumbar: 10-12 mm.
Since the spine has a physiological forward curvature in the cervical and lumbar regions, it must be understood that here the intervertebral discs will be slightly thicker.
If you look closely at the photo of the spine, you can easily see that the diameter of the intervertebral discs is 2-3 mm larger than the vertebrae themselves. I wonder if you knew that the length of a person's spine changes throughout the day. In the morning it is 1 cm more than in the evening. This is explained by the fact that during the day, under the influence of gravitational forces, the distance between the disks decreases, during the night everything returns to normal. By the way, why does the structure of intervertebral discs change with age? This happens due to the fact that their absorbency deteriorates, they wear out, the spine becomes prone to damage. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to exercise as much as possible throughout your life, spend time in the fresh air and eat right. Thanks to such simple rules, the intervertebral discs are well saturated with oxygen. Then by old age there will be no talk of any intervertebral hernia.
Bends in the spine - is it normal?
Yes, the doctors' answer is definitely positive.
With the help of them, a certain springy effect is formed, which promotes walking, running, jumping and other physical exercises. After all, the main functions of the human spine are reduced to creating maximum mobility of the body. Just imagine if there was a straight human spine. Photo of himclearly demonstrates the opposite, it is clearly seen that the vertebrae formed something like a wave:
- lordosis in the neck - the spine in this place is slightly arched forward;
- kyphosis in the chest - the spine here is curved back;
- lordosis in the lumbar region: backwards the spine arches forward;
- kyphosis at the sacrum: a slight backward curve is visible.
This is a completely natural appearance of the spine, and curves are considered to be a physiological feature of it.
Facet joints: anatomy. Intervertebral foramen
It is those processes that extend from the vertebrae that are called joints. Their anatomy is simple. In addition to the fact that the vertebrae are interconnected by intervertebral cartilage discs, the facet joints play the same role. These processes (look like some kind of arcs) are directed inward, as if looking at each other. At their end is articular cartilage. Its nutrition and lubrication is carried out due to the fluid present inside the joint capsule. It is with it that the processes of the joints end. The main function of the facet joints is to provide a certain mobility of the human body.
Intervertebral (foraminal) foramina are designed specifically to allow veins and nerve roots to pass through them. Their location is interesting: on both sides of each vertebra. They are formed with the help of articular processes, legs and bodies of two adjacent vertebrae.
How does the spine change with age?
Age anatomy and physiology is also characteristic of the spine. Although it would seem that the spine isa rigid pillar that is the foundation of our entire body.
Of course, the structure of cartilage tissue allows us to perform various movements, but nevertheless, the spine is a strong foundation, and it is very strange that time affects it. Just want to note that this is a completely normal physiological feature of the human body. Throughout life, the human spine not only increases in length and gains a certain mass, but also undergoes significant changes:
- during the first months of life, any child is in a horizontal position, his spine is straight. Then there is a transition to a vertical position, due to which the spine acquires its characteristic physiological curves in its sections (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral);
- over time, all cartilage turns into bone. It is said that in this way the spine becomes stronger;
The structure of the intervertebral disc is also subject to significant changes.
Age-related anatomy and physiology of the human spine is characterized by two main indicators:
- The growth of a person and the ratio of the proportions of his body throughout his life. There are certain average indicators that are considered the norm and allow you to determine whether the spine is developing correctly. After all, in the first 20 years of a person's life, the spine grows at the fastest pace, which can cause various deviations and diseases. That is why the child in the early yearslife must be shown to specialists for the prevention of various kinds of diseases.
- Growth of the spine by segments on average per year. This indicator is calculated using a special formula and also allows you to evaluate the development of the spine.
Spinal motion segment
The human spinal column has a certain functional unit, which is a spinal motion segment. Essentially, it is the connection of two adjacent vertebrae along with ligaments, discs, joints and everything else. Thus, we once again designate what function the cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae perform. They are a special mount that allows a person to make various movements. Also, the mobility of the spine is created due to the facet joints. Through special holes that pass on the side of the spine, nerve endings and blood vessels are pulled out. The spinal motion segment is a set of interconnected elements. Failure of one of them has many consequences. It can manifest itself in two ways:
- segmental blockade: neighboring vertebrae do not move, and the activity of the human body is carried out at the expense of other segments. This often causes pain;
- segmental instability: the opposite situation, when movements between adjacent vertebrae are excessive. In this case, not only pain occurs, but the problem can also be hidden much deeper: nerve endings are affected.
Remember that any pain in the spine can occureither in one particular place, or all at once. In any case, the focus of the lesion can only be determined with the help of special studies and the advice of a competent specialist.
Nerve endings and spinal cord
The connection of the vertebrae also occurs inside the spine thanks to the spinal cord, the basis of the human central nervous system. Due to it (with the help of incoming signals from the brain), the work of the whole organism is regulated. The spinal cord is a large thread, consisting of a huge number of nerve fibers and endings. It is located in the so-called "dural sac", which is well protected from external influences by three different membranes (soft, web-like, hard).
Cerebrospinal fluid is constantly present around him. Each section of the spine, and accordingly, all the muscles, tissues, organs and systems located around, are regulated by a certain area of the spinal cord.
Muscles located near the spine and their functions
It has already become clear that the main functions of the spine come down to providing movement for a person. This is done thanks to the muscles that attach to the vertebrae. When we talk about back pain, we often do not even suspect that the problem is not at all in the spine or discs. In fact, a specific muscle may be pulled. But complications in the spine can also cause involuntary contraction of adjacent muscles, i.e. in fact, the reverse situation. When such a spasm occurs, milk is produced in the muscle fibers.acid (this is glucose oxidized) caused by lack of oxygen access to the blood. Such pain is very familiar to pregnant women. They experience it in labor during contractions due to improper breathing. But one has only to relax a little, and the discomfort disappears, as the spasm disappears.
Spine problems
Initially, nature planned everything differently. After all, no one imagined that modern women and men would turn into motionless creatures in the same (and absolutely uncomfortable for them) position throughout the working day. The spine numbs, while experiencing an incredible load. But everyone knows one simple truth very well: movement is life, and it’s hard to argue with that. Of course, there are still a huge number of problems in this system, which are caused by bad ecology, improper and unbalanced nutrition, wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes, etc. Correcting the current situation is quite simple, you should follow a few simple tips:
- regularly lead an active lifestyle. Physical culture and sports are the main assistants;
- create comfort around you: comfortable furniture, clothes and shoes will help you relax during the working day;
- prophylactically visit, for example, an orthopedist, who is able to identify problems with the spine during a visual examination. Especially for young children.
Another back pain may be due to the fact that the intervertebral discs have worn off. Modern doctors like to talk about it to almost everyone. But in reality, this rarely happens. Degeneration of the intervertebral discs can be caused by various reasons, including excessive physical activity and tissue aging. Treatment usually consists of surgery.
What is the function of the cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae, we clearly understood. They provide proper movement to a person and, if possible, prevent damage to the spine. Do not think that the pain that suddenly arises in the spine will definitely go away on its own. It may calm down for a while, but this is only the first signal of big problems.
Do not be lazy to turn to experienced and competent specialists in a timely manner who will help you prevent the development of serious diseases in the spine. After all, it is the basis of our entire body! The he alth of the whole organism and that carefree old age that everyone dreams of so directly depend on it. Take care of yourself and be he althy!
