Spinal column
Spinal Column
The Spinal Column (pronunciation: /ˈspaɪnəl ˈkɒləm/), also known as the vertebral column or backbone, is a complex structure in the human body that plays a crucial role in supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "spinal column" is derived from the Latin words "spina" meaning "thorn" or "backbone" and "columna" meaning "pillar". The term "vertebral column" comes from the Latin "vertebra", which means "joint" or "segment of a whole".
Structure
The spinal column is made up of 33 individual bones stacked one on top of another. These bones, known as vertebrae, are divided into five regions: the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum, and coccyx.
Function
The primary function of the spinal column is to protect the spinal cord, which is the main pathway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It also provides structural support for the body, allowing us to stand upright, bend, and twist.
Related Terms
- Vertebrae: The individual bones that make up the spinal column.
- Spinal Cord: The bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the spinal column.
- Cervical Spine: The uppermost part of the spinal column, located in the neck.
- Thoracic Spine: The middle part of the spinal column, located in the chest area.
- Lumbar Spine: The lower part of the spinal column, located in the lower back.
- Sacrum: A triangular bone located at the base of the spinal column.
- Coccyx: Also known as the tailbone, it is the final segment of the vertebral column.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spinal column
- Wikipedia's article - Spinal column
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski