The Vertebral Column - The Spine

The vertebral column, otherwise known as the spine or backbone, is the central axis for the skeleton of vertebrates (organisms with backbones). It extends from the base of the skull to slightly past the end of the pelvis. It consists of 26 individual bones, grouped into 4 region of curvatures: cervical (meaning ‘neck’), thoracic, lumbar and pelvic (which includes sacral and coccygeal - from ‘coccyx’, the tailbone).

The vertebral column performs five major functions: it supports the head and trunk; protects the spinal cord (which contains nerves); provides a site for muscle attachment and permits movement of the head and trunk.

Kyphosis (meaning ‘hunchback’) is characterised by an abnormal curvature of the spine, mostly in the upper thoracic region. Lordosis is the opposite, where lumbar region curves incorrectly. Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.