What is the anatomy of backbone?

To ensure the spinal column is well protected, the joints between each vertebra only allow limited movement. But all the small movements adds up, allowing the spine to bend backwards and forwards and side to side, as well as twist and turn.

Hip bone

The left and right hip bones (innominate bones, pelvic bones) are two irregularly shaped bones that form part of the pelvic girdle – the bony structure that attaches the axial skeleton to the lower limbs.

Coccyx (tailbone)

The coccyx is a triangular arrangement of bone that makes up the very bottom portion of the spine below the sacrum. It represents a vestigial tail, hence the common term tailbone. These fused bones help to bear the body’s weight when sitting.

Shock absorbing disc

An intervertebral disk acts as shock absorber between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column by keeping the vertebrae separated when there is impact from activity. They also serve to protect the nerves that run down the middle of the spine and intervertebral disks.These plates of cartilage are sandwiched between the vertebrae.

Vital protection

The area between the spinal cord and the vertebrae is called the epidural space. This contains blood vessels and connective tissue that forms a protective cushion around the spinal cord. Nerves gain access to the spinal cord through gaps in the bones, called intervertebral foramina.

 

Picture Credit : Google