ANATOMY
THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN
|
Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
|
|
|
Surrounds & protects spinal cord
|
|
|
Supports head & trunk
|
|
|
d. Points of attachment for ribs & back muscles e. Help maintain an upright position
|
|
|
Provides movement
|
Detailed explanation-1: -Therefore, the correct answer to this question, and the option which is not a primary function of the vertebral column in humans, is (C), protecting the heart and the lungs.
Detailed explanation-2: -The vertebral column provides attachments to muscles, supports the trunk, protects the spinal cord and nerve roots and serves as a site for haemopoiesis.
Detailed explanation-3: -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.
Detailed explanation-4: -The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses the spinal cord and nerves, protecting them from injury. Most vertebrae move to allow for a range of motion. The lowest vertebrae (sacrum and coccyx) are fused together and don’t move.
Detailed explanation-5: -A spinal segment is made up of two vertebrae attached together by ligaments, with a soft disc separating them. The facet joints fit between the two vertebrae, allowing for movement, and the neural foramen between the vertebrae allow space for the nerve roots to travel freely from the spinal cord to the body.