The vertebral column is also known as the (spine or backbone) it is extended from

our skull to our pelvis, it consists of 33 individual bones that interlock with each
other to form a spinal column, but only the top 24 bones are movable because the
vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused.
The vertebral column has five major parts these are:
Cervical vertebrae it is numbered c1 to c7, but there are two cervical vertebrae that
are unique called the C1 and c2. The c1 is the first bone that is connected to our
skull it is named atlas and the second bone which is the c2 is called the axis.
Cervical vertebrae support the skull, and protects the spinal cord.
Next, we have is the 12 thoracic vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to
T12, it holds the rib cage and protects the heart and lungs.
We also have the lumbar vertebrae; the five lumbar vertebrae are numbered L1 to
L5 this supports the lower back and bears the weight of the body.
Next is the sacrum 5 fused it connects the spine to hips with the iliac bones and
form a ring, called the pelvic girdle.
Lastly, we have the coccyx 3-4 fused or a tailbone it provides attachment for
ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.
Here we have the 5 major functions of the Vertebral Column
• Support the weight of the head and trunk
• Protects the spinal cord
• Allows spinal nerves to exit the spinal cord
• Provide a site for muscle attachment
• Provides the movement and posture.

Here we can see the lateral and superior view of the intervertebral disc and it
consist of 4 parts:
First we have the vertebral body which is the main portion of the vertebra and it
protects the spinal cord and nerve roots.
For the intervertebral foramen it serves as the doorway between the spinal canal
and periphery. Periphery is a system allows our brain and spinal cord to receive
and send information to other areas of the body.
Next is the Annulus Fibrosus is a sturdy tire-like structure that encases a gel-like
center. It consists of a layered structure of water and sturdy elastic collagen fibers.
Lastly is the nucleus pulposus it transmits stress and weight from vertebra to
vertebra. The nucleus contains more water than the annulus

Despite the fact that spinal cord is normally protected by the vertebral column,
certain disorders may disrupt its normal function. Spinal cord compression may
result from fractured vertebrae, herniated intervertebral discs, tumors, osteoporosis,
or infections.
Mostly, herniated discs occur in the lumbar region because it bears most of the
body weight and most flexing and bending occur there.

The next topic types of herniated disk will be further discussed by Ms. Estrella