The vertebral column is the skeletal axis of vertebrates.
The vertebral column is the skeletal axis of beings with vertebrae, formed by this series of small bones. This axis is located along the so-called dorsal midline of the organism.
The concept of column refers to the vertical support that is used to support the weight of something. Vertebral , on the other hand, is that associated with the vertebrae (the short bones that are articulated and that make up the backbone of vertebrate beings).
Characteristics of the spine
Also known as the spine or rachis , the vertebral column is an articulated and highly resistant system, which extends from the head to the pelvis and is divided into five regions: cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal.
The cervical region has seven vertebrae, the dorsal with twelve, the lumbar with five, the sacral with five and the coccygeal with four. This means that the spine has 33 vertebrae .
Among the functions of the spinal column, its participation as support (contributes to maintaining the body's center of gravity) and as protector of the spinal cord stands out. Thanks to the spinal cord, precisely, the human being can walk on both legs and not fall.
Various injuries, diseases and pathologies can affect the spine.
Injuries and pathologies
Among the most common diseases or pathologies that affect the aforementioned spine are, for example, herniated discs . These are characterized because, as their name indicates, they affect the soft discs that are located between the vertebrae of the spine, giving rise to blunt pain.
But this injury can also bring with it another series of symptoms in the patient such as weakness, muscle spasms, tingling or numbness. A long recovery period is what will lie ahead for those who must carry out a treatment that is based on the intake of the relevant anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy sessions and even, if required, undergoing surgery.
Scoliosis is also another of the most common diseases that affect the spine. Specifically, it occurs as a consequence of a curvature which can be permanent or temporary. In most cases it is congenital and will mean that the person in question will need to undergo surgery or use orthopedic devices that, to a certain extent, can correct said deviation.
The curvatures that can be found in the spine are precisely due to the shape of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. In people, the main types of curvatures are laterolateral and anteroposterior.
The spine can suffer from various types of malformations, such as spina bifida (a congenital malformation caused by a lack of folic acid).
Colloquial use of the concept of spine
However, and finally, we cannot ignore the fact that, in a colloquial way, the term spine is also used to refer to an element or fact being the most important thing about something.
Thus, an example of this use would be the following: "The backbone of Mary's life is her daughter Sara."