EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A protective layer of bone called the vertebral column covers and protects your spinal cord. The bones in the vertebral column are called vertebrae (plural of one spine bone, a vertebra). Your vertebrae stack on top of each other, from your pelvic bones to your skull.

Detailed explanation-2: -The vertebrae (back bones) of the spine include the cervical spine (C1-C7), thoracic spine (T1-T12), lumbar spine (L1-L5), sacral spine (S1-S5), and the tailbone. Each vertebra is separated by a disc. The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pedicles. Each vertebra has two cylinder-shaped projections (pedicles) of hard bone that stick out from the back part of the vertebral body, providing side protection for the spinal cord and nerves. The pedicles also serve as a bridge, joining the front and back parts of the vertebra.

Detailed explanation-4: -The outer membrane is the tough dura mater (Fig. 8). Between these membranes are spaces used in diagnostic and treatment procedures. The space between the pia and arachnoid mater is the wide subarachnoid space, which surrounds the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Detailed explanation-5: -The spinal cord is protected by vertebrae and meninges (protective membranes) around it. The cerebrospinal fluid fills the spaces between these meninges and acts as a cushion thereby protecting the spinal cord and also the brain.