Final answer:
Movement between two adjacent vertebrae is made possible by ligaments, muscles, and intervertebral discs. Ligaments provide support and stability, muscles allow for movement, and intervertebral discs act as cushions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movement between two adjacent vertebrae is made possible by ligaments, muscles, and intervertebral discs.
Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that run along the length of the vertebral column. They provide support and stability to the spine and resist excess forward or backward bending movements.
Muscles attached to the spine also play a role in allowing movement between vertebrae. These muscles contract and relax to move the spine and create various movements such as bending, twisting, and flexing.
Intervertebral discs, composed of fibrous cartilage, lie between adjacent vertebrae. These discs help form slightly movable joints and act as cushions to absorb shocks from movements.
Movement between two adjacent vertebrae is made possible primarily by cartilage. Specifically, the intervertebral discs composed of fibrous cartilage are found between adjacent vertebrae, from the second cervical vertebra to the sacrum. They form slightly moveable joints and act as cushions to absorb shocks from movements like walking and running. While the individual movement between two vertebrae may be small, when combined along the entire vertebral column, they allow for significant flexibility in the spine. Additionally, ligaments that extend along the spine contribute to its overall support and stability, and help to resist excessive movements.