Vertebrae

The vertebral column is a series of approximately 33 bones called vertebrae, which are separated by intervertebral discs.

The column can be divided into five different regions, with each region characterised by a different vertebral structure.

The vertebral column has four main functions:

• Protection – encloses and protects the spinal cord within the spinal canal.

• Support – carries the weight of the body above the pelvis.

• Axis – forms the central axis of the body.

• Movement – has roles in both posture and movement.

Structure of a Vertebrae

All vertebrae share a basic common structure. They each consist of an anterior vertebral body, and a posterior vertebral arch.

Vertebral Body

The vertebral body forms the anterior part of each vertebrae.

It is the weight-bearing component, and vertebrae in the lower portion of the column have larger bodies than those in the upper portion (to better support the increased weight).

The superior and inferior aspects of the vertebral body are lined with hyaline cartilage. Adjacent vertebral bodies are separated by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc.