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The cervical vertebral column (CVC)
The cervical vertebral column consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, which provide the head with an extremely high mobility. The first and the second cervical vertebrae differ very much from the remaining five in the way they look. This is due to their function: the first cervical vertebra (atlas) is circular and carries the head. The second cervical vertebra (axis) builds the so-called atlanto-axial-joint together with the first cervical vertebra (axis), which does not only provide the head with its mobility, but also the whole cervical vertebral column.
In addition to this the second cervical vertebra (axis) has a so-called tooth (dens) that penetrates the first cervical vertebra and carries the head together with the first cervical vertebra.
If the head is turned to the side, the ring of the atlas moves around the tooth of the axis.
The thoracic vertebral column (TVC)
To the 12 thoracic vertebrae of the thoracic vertebral column the rips are attached. Herewith the thoracic vertebrae and each of the attaching pairs of rips are connected through a joint with the joint area of the corresponding sidewise process. In the front however all pairs of rips with the exception of the lower two join the breastbone (=sternum).
Within the context of explaining the vertebral column (structure of the vertebral column) we have already hinted at the fact that on both sides (right and left) between vertebral body and inter-vertebral disc there is a so-called inter-vertebral hole, which allows the spinal nerves to exit the spinal channel.
This is the only way to secure sensory and motor in the body. Which parts are aimed at depends on the localisation:
For example through the inter-vertebral hole in the lower part of the thoracic vertebral column spinal nerves exit who head for sensory and motor in the legs. Injuries in this part of the thoracic vertebral column usually implicate a sensation of numbness and paralysis in the corresponding part of the leg.
The lumbar vertebral column (LVC)
The lumbar vertebral column consists of the 5 lumbar vertebrae of the vertebral column. They have to carry the most weight, because they are located in the lower part of the vertebral column. That is also the reason why they are much thicker than the other vertebrae. However this does not secure against the signs of wear and tear that are especially common in this area. Thus wear and tear of the joints and prolapsed inter-vertebral discs happen most often in the region of the lumbar vertebral column.
The lumbar vertebral column also differs from the other parts of the vertebral column regarding its structure. For example there is no spinal chord from the second lumbar vertebra on. That means: nerves for sensory and motor in the region of the legs and the pelvis fill the vertebral channel in this area. This special area in which the spinal chord ends and is then filled with nerves is called pony-tail (medicinal: cauda equina).
More information about the vertebral column, just link vertebral column
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