# Vertebral Column --- The **vertebral column**, or the **spinal column** or just the **spine** is the part of the [[musculoskeletal system#The Axial Skeleton|axial skeleton]] that goes down the back and supports the upper part of the body and protects the [[spinal cord]]. In adults It's made up of 24 stacked **vertebrae** plus the **sacrum** and **coccyx**. These bones are connected by the disks of [[cartilage|fibrocartilage]] (I think) named **intervertebral discs**. (nucleolus pulposus and fibrosis something) The vertebral column is divided into three regions: from superior to inferior the *cervical vertebrae*, the *thoracic vertebrae*, and the *lumbar vertebrae*. Then there is a special region for the weirdos, the sacrum and coccyx. ![[vertebral column.png]] ## Spinal Curvatures The spine is divided into 4 **curvatures**, the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral curvatures. All babies are born with the thoracic and sacral curvatures which are called the **primary curvatures**. At a certain point the **secondary curvatures**—the cervical and lumbar curvatures—develop. The primary curvatures arch anteriorly and the secondary curvatures are *compensation curvatures* which arch posteriorly. ### Abnormal Curvatures **Kyphosis** is an exaggerated thoracic curvature—i.e. a "hunchback". This is a condition that may result from [[osteoporosis]] **Lordosis** is an exaggerated lumbar curvature—i.e. a "swayback". This condition a may result from added abdominal weight, like from a [[pregnancy]]. **Scoliosis** is an abnormal lateral curvature, which may require back brace or surgery. ## Vertebrae The **vertebrae** (singular **vertebra**) are the [[bone|irregular bones]] that make up the vertebral column. ![[vertebra.png]] - The **cervical vertebrae** are identifiable by their transverse foramen. - The **thoracic vertebrae** are where the [[thoracic cage|rib bones]] attach. - The **lumbar vertebrae** also exist towards the bottom. - The **sacrum** and **coccyx** are two sets of fused vertebrae at the bottom bottom. At a certain age these two might fuse together. ## Problems with the Vertebral Column - [[radiculopathy]] or a pinched nerve - [[herniated disk]] can lead to the a radiculopathy ___