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## Vertebral Column ### Introduction The vertebral column provides support for the body and helps to maintain an upright body position. It is divided into five regions: * **Cervical** (**C1 - C7**) * **Thoracic** (**T1 - T12**) * **Lumbar** (**L1 - L5**) * **Sacral** (**S1 - S5**) * **Coccygeal...

## Vertebral Column ### Introduction The vertebral column provides support for the body and helps to maintain an upright body position. It is divided into five regions: * **Cervical** (**C1 - C7**) * **Thoracic** (**T1 - T12**) * **Lumbar** (**L1 - L5**) * **Sacral** (**S1 - S5**) * **Coccygeal** (**Co1 - Co4**) ### Anatomy * Each region of the vertebral column is composed of individual vertebrae. * The vertebrae are separated by **intervertebral discs**. * Each vertebrae is articulated with the vertebrae above and below through **intervertebral foramina**. * **Vertebral prominences** are located at the posterior of the cervical section and they are easily palpeted. * The **sacrum** is formed from five sacral vertebrae, which fuse into a single bony structure. * The **coccyx** is commonly called the tailbone, it consists of four fused coccygeal vertebrae. * The **spinal curvatures** are four curves found in the adult vertebral column: **cervical, thoracic, lumbar**, and **sacral**. ### Development * The primary curvatures are the **thoracic** and **sacral curvatures**, which are present at birth. These curvatures are C-shaped. * The **secondary curvatures** are the **cervical** and **lumbar** curvatures, which develop after birth. * **Cervical** curvature develops around 3-4 months of age when the child can hold up its head. * **Lumbar** curvature develops around 1 year of age when the child begins to walk. * The **secondary curvatures** are also known as **compensation curves** because they help to shift the trunk weight over the legs. ### Clinical View #### Spinal Curvature Abnormalities * **Hyperkyphosis** is an exaggerated thoracic curvature, often called hunchback. * **Hyperlordosis** is an exaggerated lumbar curvature, often called swayback. * **Scoliosis** is a curvature of the vertebral column to the side. These abnormalities can result from a variety of factors including: * Osteoporosis * Vertebral compression fractures * Osteomalacia * Abnormal vertebral growth * Chronic muscle contractions Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate scoliosis may be treated with a back brace, whereas more severe cases may require surgical intervention.