Question

The vertebral column is composed of 33 vertebrae. The vertebrae are named and numbered from the top downward (Figure 6-6). These bones enclose and protect the spinal cord, support the head, and serve as a place of attachment for the ribs and the muscles of the back. The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system. It is a cylindrical structure located in the spinal canal, extending from the lower part of the brain to the upper part of the lumbar region. Spinal fluid or cerebro+spin+al (cerebr/o, brain + spin /o, spine) fluid is the clear, colorless liquid that circulates throughout the brain and _____ canal, the cavity within the vertebral column.

Answer 1

The vertebral column is a fundamental structure comprising 26 bones in adults, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx. It encases the spinal cord and supports movement, while also being filled with cerebrospinal fluid for protection and nourishment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vertebral column, often referred to as the spine or spinal column, is a crucial structure in the human body. Composed of 26 bones in adults, these include the 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, as well as the sacrum and coccyx bones. Initially consisting of 33 separate vertebrae, the sacrum and coccyx eventually fuse together resulting in the reduced number of bones. The adult human vertebral column not only protects the spinal cord but also supports the head, serves as an anchor point for ribs and back muscles, and allows for a range of movements.

Each vertebra has a large hole, called the vertebral foramen, in its center, through which the spinal cord passes. Additionally, there are notches on each side, known as the intervertebral foramina, through which spinal nerves exit to serve various areas of the body. Furthermore, the vertebral column contains a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the spinal cord and brain, providing protection and nutrient distribution.