Module 1: The skeletal system

Table of Contents

1. The skeleton
2. Bones of the anterior skeleton
3. Bones of the posterior skeleton
4. Bones of the skeleton activity
5. Structure of the skeleton
6. Axial and appendicular activity
7. Structure and function of the vertebral column

Structure and function of the vertebral column

The spine (vertebral column) is made up of 33 bones known as vertebrae. 24 of them are movable separated from one another by intervertebral discs. Apart from the first two cervical vertebrae (the atlas and axis) which allow us to nod and shake our head all the other vertebrae have a similar basic structure.

The basic structure of a vertebra

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(c) Loughborough College

The functions of the vertebral column

The main functions of the vertebral column are to enclose and protect the spinal cord, to support the body and head and to serve as a point of attachment for the ribs and muscles of the back.

The image below shows how the vertebra is broken down into 5 different sections, based on the different functions that each part of the spine carries out.

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