What are the vertebrae?

vertebrae are highly specialized bones that together form a backbone column. The spinal column is such a distinctive anatomical feature that all animals with backbone columns are known as vertebrates that refer to vertebrae. In humans, the backbone column forms 33 separate bones and the structure begins to form around the third week of pregnancy.

Spinal column serves a number of important functions. Individual vertebrae protect and promote the spinal cord that connects the brain and the rest of the nervous system. The bones also create attaching points for muscles and other bones, allowing flexible movement in a number of directions. Finally, the backbone column provides critical support to the animal and, in the case of people and ape vertebrae, allow the body to walk upright.

There are several different types of vertebrae that are classified according to their position. The upper part of the spine consists of a cervical vertebra with two special uterine suppositories, atlas and axis connecting the spine with a skull. Then come the thoracic vertebrae that involves the points of the connectionFor ribs, followed by a lumbar spine, which includes the widest and largest vertebrae to support weight. Sacral and caudal vertebrae follow, and in humans these structures are known as Sacrum and Tailbone.

While the accurate bone configuration in different parts of the spine varies, each has a large area known as a body or center, with a number of processes. The processes protrude from the rear of the center, provide connection points for muscles and create a hollow space for the spinal cord. Characteristic bumps that many people can feel on the backs of their spines are created by a spin process. Each of the bones is articulated so that it can move with the bones around IT while ensuring that the spinal cord remains protected.

Between each vertebra and its partner is a disk of fungal material, which is used as a shock absorber. Over time, these discs may wear and compress, causing back pain and limitingt freedom of movement. This can also lead to spinal cord compression, in cases where damaged discs bulges and exert pressure on the backbone channel, and this can cause serious neurological problems. Many other problems may disrupt the function of the spine, including fractures, which can be extremely dangerous if the spinal cord is interrupted or damaged.