S C I E N C E H U M A N Spine & Vertebrate The Spine & Vertebrate in Focus This Enrichment4You e-guide provides a brief overview of the spine and vertebrate. In this e-guide you will: Human Body Spine/Vertebrate B O D Y *Basic Information About the Spine & Vertebrate *Make a Model of the Spine ENRICHMENT4YOU Published by Henrich Incorporated Copyright 2005 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright owner.
ABOUT THIS ENRICHMENT GUIDE The primary purpose of the backbone is to provide protection for the spinal cord and vertical support for the body. The muscles help support the spine. Learn more about the spine and vertebra in this Enrichment4You e-guide. Read a brief overview about spines and the different sections and then make a section of the spine. This Enrichment4You e-guide has the following sections: 1. Basic Information About the Spine & Vertebrate - Pages 1-6. 2. Make a Model of the Spine & Vertebrate - Pages 7-15. Human Body Spine/Vertebrate
The Spine & Vertebrate A Brief Overview The most sensitive cluster of nerves is at the base of the spine. Inside the hollow stack of vertebrae are hundreds of nerve fibers that transmit information between the brain and other parts of the body. The spine is an integral part of the human body. It supports, protects the spinal cord and allows one to walk, run, bend and rest. It is simple in design, yet complex in function. The spine is the column made up of vertebral bones that form the backbone or spine. It supports the body and protects the spinal cord from damage. The vertebrate are the bones or cartilaginous segments forming the spinal column. The vertebrae flex, is separated by disks and held together by muscles and tendons. The vertebra extends from the base of the cranium (that encompasses the brain) to the coccyx (tail bone). They protect the spinal cord and form the supporting structure for the body. The series of vertebrae are also called the vertebral column. They intersect with each other just like pieces of a puzzle. The spinal cord is the thick, whitish cord of nerve tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata located at the base of the brain down through the spinal column. The spinal nerves attached to the spinal cord spread out to other parts of the body. This is where information from the brain and other parts of the body are transmitted back and forth. Human Body 1 Spine/Vertebrate
43 pairs of nerves make up the central nervous system. Twelve pairs go to and from the brain, with 31 pairs going from the spinal cord. The spine is divided up into three major parts: the cervical, the thoracic, and the lumbar. Each part of the spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae. Each vertebra are composed of several parts - the body, the lamina, the spinous process, the transverse process and facet joints. The body of the vertebra allows for weight. The lamina covers the spinal canal. The spinous process is the bone along the back. The transverse processes are attached to the spinous process at a 90 degree angle. They provide an area for the back muscles to be attached. There are four facet joints associated with each vertebra. Two face upward and another pair that face downward. The facet joints fit together with the other vertebrae. Human Body 2 Spine/Vertebrate
THE LUMBAR REGION Herniated or ruptured disks result when the soft nucleus goes out through a tear in the annulus. The result is a compressed nerve and a great deal of pain. The more nucellus that breaks the more the nerve is compressed and the more pain occurs. Many people have lower back pain. The lower or lumbar spine connects your upper body to your lower body. This section of the spine provides movement such as turning, bending, twisting and strength which lets one run, walk and carry things. The lower back is essential for day-to-day activity. The lower back is made up of the following main features. Lumbar vertebrae - these are the five bones connect the pelvis to the upper spine. Disks - these provide a cushion between the vertebrae. Each disc is made up of two parts. The hard, tough outer layer is called the annulus. The annulus surrounds a soft, moist center called the nucleus. Spinal cord and nerves - messages are sent to and from the brain and other parts of the body through the nerves connected to the spinal cord. Muscles and ligaments - connected to the vertebrae, muscles and ligaments are the glue that provide stability and support for the spine. Human Body 3 Spine/Vertebrate
In between each vertebra is a soft cushioning disk. The disk is made up of cartilagelike tissue that has an outer layer called the annulus, and an inner layer called the nucleus. Most disks are flexible and allow movement. THE THORACIC REGION The Thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae. These bones are located in the midsection of the spine in the chest area. The rib cage protects the thoracic spine and important organs such as the heart and lungs. The thoracic vertebrae are stronger and larger than the cervical bones. They have the ability to absorb a certain amount of pressure. Still, they are the second most injured section of the spine after the lumbar area. Although the vertebrae of this section are large, they are less mobile than the lumbar or cervical sections. Human Body 4 Spine/Vertebrate