The Vertebrae, types and functions

TYPES OF VERTEBRAE. first of all what a vertebrae? these are animals with a backbone or internal skeletal system.

THE APPENDICULAR SKELETON IS MADE UP OF THE GIRDLES (PECTORAL AND PELVIC GIRDLES) AS WELL AS THE BONES OF THE LIMBS, FORELIMBS AND HIND LIMBS

FEATURES OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

I just treated the skeletal system of living things in my previous article and I hope you had time to read it if not then follow this link TYPES OF SKELETON.
So in this article, I am going to be treating the various types of vertebrae as stated earlier in my last article. The following are the types of vertebrae

Types of Vertebrae

CERVICAL VERTEBRAE

The cervical vertebrae are found in the neck region. In man, for example, the first cervical vertebra is called the Atlas while the second vertebra is called the Axis. The third vertebra to the seventh bone is the normal cervical bone.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ATLAS VERTEBRAE

i. The atlas vertebra has a large neural canal
ii. The atlas vertebra has a flat and broad transverse process
iii. The neural spine within the atlas is very short and sometimes absent
iv. The centrum is absent in the atlas
v. The atlas has a vertebrarterial for the passage of blood vessel

FUNCTION OF THE ATLAS VERTEBRAE

The function of the atlas
i. It allows the head to nod on it.
ii. It permits nodding of the head
iii. It holds the head firmly and allows for turning of the head

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AXIS

The Axis has a major part to play in the skeletal system of mammals mostly humans. So the most profound characteristics of the Axis are as follows
i. The axis has a broad and flat centrum
ii. The axis articulates with the atlas through the odontoid process
iii. The axis has a large, flattened neural spine
iv. The transverse process is reduced to a pin-like structure in an axis
v. The axis has a vertebral canal

FUNCTION OF THE AXIS

The functions of the Axis are as follows
i. The Axis allows the head to be turned easily as in twisting of the neck or the head

THORACIC VERTEBRAE

The thoracic is found in the chest region. In man, they are twelve in number.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THORACIC VERTEBRAE

I. The thoracic vertebra has a long and prominent neural spine which projects upward and backwards
II. The thoracic vertebra has a pair of short transverse process
III. There is the presence of demi-facets and articular surfaces for the attachment of ribs
IV. There is a large neural canal and neural arch
V. The Axis has a large cylindrical centrum

FUNCTIONS OF THE THORACIC VERTEBRAE

The functions of the vertebrae are as follows
i. One of the functions of the thoracic vertebra is that it aids the attachment of the ribs
ii. Muscles of the shoulder and back are attached to neural spines of the thoracic vertebra
iii. The thoracic vertebra assists in breathing alongside the ribs

THE LUMBER VERTEBRAE

The lumber vertebra is found in the upper abdominal region. In man, for example, they are five in number.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LUMBER VERTEBRAE

The characteristics of the lumber vertebrae are as follows
i. The lumber vertebra has a large, flattened transverse process
ii. The lumberneutralbrae have a broad and flat neural spine
iii. The lumber vertebra has a large and thick centrum
iv. The lumber vertebrae have well-developed pre and post-zygapophysesv. The lumber vertebrae has two extra projection called the (anapophysis)and (metapophysis) which serves for the attachment of abdominal muscles

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE LUMBER VERTEBRAE

The following are the functions of the lumber vertebra
i. The lumber vert provides attachment for the abdominal muscles
ii. The lumber vertebral bone bears a considerable weight on the body

THE SACRAL VERTEBRAE

What is the sacral in the skeletal system? The sacral vertebrae are found in the lower abdominal region. In man, they are five in number. They fused to form a structure called a sacrum

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SACRAL VERTEBRAE

The characteristics of the sacral vertebra are as follows
i. The sacral has a narrow neural canal
ii. The sacral vertebrae have a neural spine which is reduced to a notch
iii. The sacral has a very large centrum
iv. The first sacral vertebrae has a pair of transverse process that is large and winged-like, but the others are attached to the muscle of the back
v. The first sacral  has a small neural canal which gets smaller as it enters the other vertebrae

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SACRAL VERTEBRAE

i. The sacral vertebral bones are joined to the pelvic girdles to provide support and strength

THE CAUDAL VERTEBRAE

The caudal vertebral bones are found in the region of some vertebrates. They decrease in size from the sacrum backwards. In man, they are four in number. They are fused to form a structure called coccyx which does not project from the body.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CAUDAL VERTEBRAE

i. The caudal no neural spine
ii. The caudal as it stands has no neural canal
iii. The caudal vertebrae appear as a solid, rectangular mass of bone
iv. THE CAUDAL VERTEBRAE HAS NO TRANSVERSE

THE FUNCTION OF THE CAUDAL VERTEBRAE

The functions of the caudal vertebra are listed as follows
i. The caudal supports the tail
ii. toe caudal provides attachment to the tail muscles

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Important usefulness of the vertebral bones

The vertebral bones, the individual bones that make up the vertebral column or spine, are crucial components of the skeletal system, serving several important functions for the body. Here are some key uses and importance of the vertebrae:

1. Structural Support:
   • The primary function of the vertebrae is to provide structural support for the body. Stacked on top of each other, the vertebral bones form the vertebral column, a flexible and strong axial structure that supports the weight of the body and allows for an upright posture.
2. Protection of the Spinal Cord:
   • The vertebrae encase and protect the spinal cord, a vital part of the central nervous system. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting neural signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The bony structures of the vertebrae act as a protective shield, reducing the risk of injury to the spinal cord.
3. Facilitation of Movement:
   • The arrangement of the vertebral bones allows for a wide range of body movements. Joints between the vertebral bones, along with the intervertebral discs, enable flexibility and mobility, facilitating actions such as bending, twisting, and extension.
4. Attachment for Muscles and Ligaments:
   • Muscles, tendons, and ligaments attach to the vertebral column, providing support and allowing for controlled movements. The vertebral bones serve as anchor points for the muscles that control the spine and contribute to overall body movement.
5. Distribution of Body Weight:
   • The vertebral column plays a critical role in evenly distributing the weight of the body. This distribution is essential for maintaining balance and preventing excessive stress on specific areas of the spine.
6. Protection of Internal Organs:
   • In addition to protecting the spinal cord, the vertebral column provides some protection to other internal organs in the thoracic and abdominal regions. The ribcage, connected to the thoracic vertebrae, protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
7. Support for the Skull:
   • The uppermost vertebral column, known as the atlas and axis, provides support for the skull, allowing for the nodding and rotation of the head.
8. Blood Cell Production:
   • Red bone marrow within certain vertebrae is involved in hematopoiesis, the process of producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
9. Storage of Minerals:
   • The vertebral bones store minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone density and overall skeletal health.
10. Shock Absorption:
    • Intervertebral discs, located between the vertebrae, act as shock absorbers, cushioning the impact of movements and activities. This helps reduce stress on the spine and prevents damage to the vertebrae.
11. Maintenance of Body Posture:
    • The alignment and structure of the vertebral column of bones contribute to maintaining proper body posture, influencing an individual’s overall appearance and physical well-being.

The vertebrae, through their collective functions, contribute to the overall stability, movement, and protection of the body, making them indispensable components of the skeletal system.

Originally posted 2023-11-13 11:37:45.