What are the 4 main functions of the vertebral column?

What are the 4 main functions of the vertebral column?

The spine has a number of key functions:

  • Protection. The spinal column encases the spinal cord and nerve roots which transfer messages up and down the body.
  • Flexibility and Mobility.
  • Structural Support.
  • Base for attachment.
  • What is the spinal cord?
  • Neck (Cervical) Anatomy.
  • What does the spine look like?

What is the function of the vertebral column quizlet?

What are the functions of the vertebral column? To support weight, protect the spinal cord, serves as an axis and pivot, and aid in posture and movement.

What is the purpose and function of the vertebral column and curvatures?

Curvatures of the Vertebral Column These curves increase the vertebral column’s strength, flexibility, and ability to absorb shock. When the load on the spine is increased, by carrying a heavy backpack for example, the curvatures increase in depth (become more curved) to accommodate the extra weight.

What is the vertebral column quizlet?

The Vertebral Column (also called the Spinal Column). It is formed by 26 irregular bones called vertebrae. The vertebral column has five major regions. 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx.

What are three functions of the vertebral column?

The three main functions of the spine are to:

  • Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the body’s internal organs.
  • Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture.
  • Enable flexible motion.

What are the two basic functions of the vertebral column?

The major function of the vertebral column is protection of the spinal cord; it also provides stiffening for the body and attachment for the pectoral and pelvic girdles and many muscles. In humans an additional function is to transmit body weight in walking and standing.

What does the vertebral column protect quizlet?

Protects the heart, lungs, and some abdominal organs. It supports the bones of the shoulder girdle and arm. It helps you breathe.

What is the function of the spinous process of each vertebrae quizlet?

Spinous process is a bony projection off the posterior (back) of each vertebra. The spinous process protrudes where the laminae of the vertebral arch join and provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.

What is the vertebral column?

(ver-TEE-brul KAH-lum) The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone. The vertebral column encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. Also called backbone, spinal column, and spine.

What are the 3 major functions of the spinal cord?

What does the spinal cord do?

  • Motor Functions – directs your body’s voluntary muscle movements.
  • Sensory Functions – monitors sensation of touch, pressure, temperature and pain.
  • Autonomic Functions – regulates digestion, urination, body temperature, heart rate, and dilation/contraction of blood vessels (blood pressure).

What are the main functions of the spinal cord?

The primary role of the spinal cord is to relay sensory, motor, and autonomic messages between the brain and the rest of the body. 1 Myelinated nerves along the pathways of the spinal cord send electrical signals to each other to facilitate these actions.

What are the features of the vertebral column?

A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch. The arch is formed by the paired pedicles and paired laminae. Arising from the vertebral arch are the transverse, spinous, superior articular, and inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord.