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Understanding the Spine Diagram
Have you or someone you know, for whatever reason, been looking for a spine diagram that you could download from the Internet? If so, you may be surprised how easy it is to find one. The simple fact is that all of us, at least at one time or another, could benefit from these types of diagrams. This goes for students who are looking to get into the medical field, doctors, and even individuals who are trying to make sense out of the pain they or a loved one may be experiencing. In this article we will highlight some of the items typically seen on a spine diagram, and explain what some of these items are referring to.
What You’ll See with a Spine Diagram
In any diagram of the human spine, regardless of the angle of the diagram, you are sure to see a number of different parts. Each of these parts has its own name and function and is absolutely vital to the overall workings of the spine as a whole. Some of the parts you might see on a spine diagram include:
• The Vertebra. The vertebra in the spine (and there are several) are the main building blocks. Vertebras consist of bone and run vertically down the length of your back, starting at the base of the brain all the way down to the tail bone. The vertebra are extremely durable, giving your back the support it needs while also protecting the not-so-durable spinal cord.
• Spinal Discs. As mentioned above, the vertebra in the spine run vertically along the length of your back, and are, in essence, stacked one on top of the other. This is where the spinal discs come into play. Spinal discs are small fluid-filled pouches that are situated between each of the vertebra so that they don’t rub together. Sometimes referred to as the “shock absorbers” of the back, spinal discs help prevent injury that could occur if the vertebra collapsed on each other.
• Facet Joints. When looking at a diagram of the human spine, you may notice that each of the vertebras that run down the length of the back come together to form a type of joint. These joints are medically referred to as facet joints and they are imperative for proper mobility and movement.
• Spinous and Transverse Processes. Also between each vertebra are tiny bone fragments which add extra stability to the spine. These processes run both horizontally (transverse processes) and vertically (spinous processes). Note: The little bumps you see along the length of your back are actually not the vertebra but the spinous processes.
This is just a sample of the many items you will potentially see on a quality spine diagram. Keep in mind that there are diagrams available from a variety of angles, some even color-coded, and when carefully labeled they can be a very useful tool for learning about the various bones, muscles and nerves that make up the human spine.