THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SPINE

The spine is a group of bones fundamental of our skeleton. The spinal column of human beings is seen as an axis, which runs through our body longitudinally, from top to bottom, but it is not simply a structure that shapes us and keeps us upright. In this lesson from a TEACHER we will see what are the functions of the spine. If you want to know more, we encourage you to keep reading!

Index

1. What is the spine and its parts
2. The spine as a supporting structure
3. The spinal column as protector of the spinal cord
4. The spine in movement and locomotion
5. The spine as an anchor for muscles and organs

To know the functions of the spine it is important to have a global vision of what it is like and what the parts of the spine are.

The spine of humans is made up of medium-sized bones called vertebrae. Vertebrae are bones of fairly complex shape and size. The vertebrae have different shapes than the rest of the bones and different depending on the part of the spine in which we let us find that they have to be coupled together to form a vertical "tube" that more or less supports itself, but also they have to

A very important factor to take into account in the structure of the spine is the existence of the intervertebral discs, which act like joints in a machine, protecting against wear and giving elasticity to the junction between the vertebrae.

Another very important characteristic of the column is the existence of natural curvatures. In the back there are two types of natural curvatures called kyphosis and lordosis. Kyphoses are curves of the spine towards the inside of the body, while kyphoses are curves towards the outside of the body. Typically, kyphosis appears in areas where the protection of an organ is needed (such as in the part of kidneys), while lordoses appear in areas where mobility is needed (such as in the part of the shoulders).

Image: Slideshare

One of the most obvious and well-known functions of the spine is the supporting structure. With the help of the support of muscles and ligaments, the spine is able to stabilize the trunk, keeping it upright. The spine generates a force that counteracts the force of gravity, which pulls the body down.

In addition to supporting the body, the spine supports the cranium. The skull, which contains our brain, is quite heavy, and therefore the part of the spinal column that is responsible for supporting it is made up of very robust vertebrae called Atlas and Axis. In addition to supporting you, these vertebrae are capable of allowing some movement up and down and to the sides.

Image: Slideshare

Another of the main functions of the spine is to spinal cord protectionl. The spinal cord is a cord-shaped structure of the central nervous system that measures about 45 centimeters long and transmitting nerve impulses from the brain to the rest of the body and vice versa.

The nervous tissue that forms this cord is very fragile and, as you can imagine, this structure is very important, so it is not only protected by the vertebrae of the spine, but also by layers (called meninges) and by liquid (cerebrospinal fluid).

All vertebrae have a hole in their central part, more or less large depending on the part of the spine of which they are part. The set and union of all the vertebral orifices form the so-called medullary canal, place through which the cord passes, and that allows it to be protected by a bony framework from the head to the end of the back.

Although it may not seem like it, the spine provides us with elasticity and the ability to move. As we have already advanced before, the spinal column is formed by the articulation of the vertebrae, which allows the spine or vertebral column to:

• Have movement. The vertebrae are related to each other like gears, allowing us to bend our back in numerous movements: towards the ground, to the sides, etc.
• Keep your balance point in a bipedal position. The perfect relationship between stiffness and flexibility and the appearance of kyphosis and lordosis help to keep the balance point of the body when we stand on both feet
• Cushion the force of our steps. During locomotion, while walking or running, the spine supports impacts and offers flexibility to cushion the force generated by each of our steps.

Image: Docsity

Within the functions of the spine, the anchor function it is often overlooked, despite its importance. For the proper functioning of the organs, muscles and bones of our body, it is important that they remain in their proper place and are not "lying around."

The spine is a good anchor point or support for bones, muscles, and internal organs, such as the ribs, diaphragm, or intestines.

If you want to read more articles similar to The functions of the spine, we recommend that you enter our category of biology.

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