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vertebral column |
Also found in: Medical, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.06 sec. |
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vertebral column: see spinal column spinal column, bony column forming the main structural support of the skeleton of humans and other vertebrates, also known as the vertebral column or backbone. It consists of segments known as vertebrae linked by intervertebral disks and held together by ligaments. ..... Click the link for more information. . vertebral columnor spinal column or spine or backboneFlexible column extending the length of the torso. In humans, it consists of 32–34 vertebrae, with different shapes and functions in each of five regions: 7 cervical, in the neck (including the atlas and axis, modified for free movement of the skull); 12 thoracic, in the chest; 5 lumbar, in the lower back; 5 sacral (fused into the sacrum, part of the pelvic girdle); and 3 to 5 coccygeal (vestigial tailbones fused into the coccyx). The body of each vertebra is separated from its neighbours by cushioning intervertebral disks of cartilage. Behind the body is a Y-shaped vertebral (neural) arch with structures extending up and down to form joints with the adjacent vertebrae and to the back and sides to provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments. The spine supports the torso and protects the spinal cord. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Symptoms and signs are usually nonspecific in nature and mimic more commonly encountered spinal diseases such as spondylosis, herniated disc, or spinal stenosis. The following topics are concisely presented in 13 chapters: basic science principles used in orthopedic surgery, general orthopedic surgery considerations, musculoskeletal trauma, sports medicine, spinal diseases and injuries, tumors, reconstructive surgery, infections, foot/ankle surgery, hand surgery, pediatrics, amputations, and general rehabilitation. The department provides consultation and treatment for patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system and comprehensive services for orthopaedic specialties, including joint replacement and reconstructive surgery, hand and microvascular surgery, sports medicine, arthroscopy, foot and ankle surgery, pediatric orthopaedics, spinal diseases, orthopaedic trauma, orthopaedic oncology, and metabolic bone disease. |
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