Features of the structure of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Parts of the human spine

With diseases of the thoracic spine, negative changes occur in bone and cartilage tissues. The vertebral bodies of the thoracic region experience deformation, intervertebral discs, facet joints, the shape itself changes spinal column. In many cases these processes chest area backs are of a natural age nature. However, due to the nature of life modern man such diseases have become younger. To slow them down, you need to change your lifestyle - move more, lose weight, watch your diet.

The thoracic vertebrae are protected by the structure of the ribs, and less often than other parts of the spine experience degenerative-dystrophic processes. However sedentary image life and constant incorrect, tense posture leads to the destruction of intervertebral discs even here. The muscles stop sufficiently support the vertebrae. And they begin to put pressure on the cartilaginous joints of the thoracic region. Ideally, discs are an elastic structure and should return to physiological shape after any stress. However, due to aging and chronic stress, their blood circulation deteriorates. Cartilage and bone tissues do not regenerate, and over time they dry out and lose their elastic properties.

The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, and the edges of the vertebrae begin to rub against each other. The body tries to create new bone tissue at the deformed edges, and osteophytes are formed - sharp spines that damage the intervertebral discs even worse.

As a result, a person feels pain, mobility decreases, it seems that in the chest area. The pain may radiate beyond the sternum, and it seems as if it hurts in the heart area. Osteochondrosis itself is not dangerous; its complications are more serious - pinched nerves, protrusion, hernia, inflammatory processes.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region - part natural process aging of the body. Previous state cartilage tissue cannot be returned, but degenerative-dystrophic processes can be slowed down and even stopped - this will require changing your lifestyle. Start moving more and perform physical therapy exercises on a regular basis. Attend massage and physiotherapeutic procedures. It would be useful to change daily diet to improve metabolic processes in the tissues of the spine. A separate preventative column is weight loss - you need to get rid of extra pounds in order to reduce the load on the intervertebral discs of the thoracic region.

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But you can do exercise therapy and lose weight only after the constant attacks have ended. When pain is tormenting, it is better to be as calm as possible. For osteochondrosis, its exacerbations and complications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used as painkillers.

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Intercostal neuralgia

This is the name given to a situation in which the nerve root begins to experience compression in the thoracic region. Most often, representatives of the older generation and people who subject their thoracic vertebrae to maximum stress suffer.

The pain manifests itself sharply and has a stabbing, shooting character, sometimes burning. In some cases it develops paroxysmally, sometimes on a chronic basis.

Painful sensations in thoracic region become stronger when the patient makes sudden movements, sneezes, coughs or even laughs. Also, attacks begin during physical stress and can develop from general fatigue. It seems that the lumbago is of a cardiac nature, and patients often even take appropriate medications.

To differentiate intercostal neuralgia from heart problems, you can check whether it gets worse if you apply finger pressure to the chest and back area. If your heart hurts, it won't get worse.

The pain radiates to the scapular, lumbar and clavicular regions. This happens because nervous system very branched and nerve tissue are strongly connected to each other.

The cause of intercostal neuralgia may lie in one of the following factors:

• Thoracic osteochondrosis. The vertebrae compress the discs, and at the same time the nerves;
• Infectious inflammations. For example, with tuberculosis, purulent accumulations can compress the nerve;
• Exposure to low temperatures;
• Muscle spasms. This is the body's reaction to the danger in which the nerve finds itself;
• In some cases - poisoning;
• Traumatic back injuries;
• Protrusions and hernias.

Spondyloarthrosis of the thoracic region

Spondyloarthrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic destruction of the facet joints of the thoracic spine. Like osteochondrosis, it least often develops in the thoracic region.

The reasons for the development of pathology are as follows:

• Flat feet;
• Elderly years;
• Excess kilograms;
• Heavy physical activity;
• Traumatic injuries;
• Curvature of the spine.

Symptoms of thoracic arthrosis are primarily stiffness, difficulty moving and pain. They can be easily distinguished from osteochondrosis - the pain does not radiate to the interscapular area and arms.

An exacerbation occurs in the morning, when a person has spent the whole night in a static position, and upon waking up feels a feeling of stiffness. To get rid of this manifestation of spondyloarthrosis, it is enough to move well, and even better - do morning exercises.

Also, the exacerbation begins in the evenings. Especially after a hard day at work. The facet joints became deformed during the day and experienced heavy loads. To achieve relief from painful sensations, just lie down in horizontal position and relax. If you are sick, try to move more and do exercise therapy. In cases where you feel stiffness or stiffness in your chest, stand up and stretch.

Spondylosis of the thoracic vertebrae

As a result of degenerative-dystrophic processes, the thoracic vertebrae begin to experience friction between each other. As a result, to avoid such deformation, the body grows excess bone tissue at the edges of the vertebral bodies.

The patient begins to be harassed severe pain back in the chest area. Almost any movement is accompanied by pain. If as a result of the formation of osteophytes ( bone growths) begins to experience compression of the nerve, symptoms of intercostal neuralgia appear.

The patient feels shooting pains in the heart area, and the limbs become weaker. Signs of loss of sensitivity appear. In some cases, it comes to the worst complication of osteophytes - stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal appears. This means that the space in which there is spinal cord, and perhaps its compression occurred.

In this case, surgery is urgently required. Pressure on the nerve tissue of the spinal cord at chest level can lead to irreversible consequences. In the worst case, the patient will lose sensation below the area of ​​stenosis and lose the ability to move. Complete paralysis below the affected vertebra will occur, and the person will experience disability.

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Protrusion of the thoracic disc

The occurrence of protrusions, like hernias, in the thoracic spine is an unlikely situation. But such pathologies still occur, and carry with them no less dangers than in other areas of the back.

With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs of the chest begin to dry out and cease to be elastic. If you pay attention to the operation of ordinary springs, you can see that if they cease to be elastic, they lose their shape, bend under pressure, and their coils go to the sides.

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The same processes occur with intervertebral cartilage in a situation of protrusion. Under pressure, they slowly or abruptly change their physiological shape, and excess cartilage tissue goes beyond the boundaries of its normal position.

The result is chronic or paroxysmal pain, symptoms of intercostal neuralgia. It gets much worse after sudden movements and physical activity, fatigue. However, protrusion itself is not so dangerous. Much worse than its symptoms is that protrusion means a serious risk of a hernia. When a hernia occurs, the structure of the intervertebral disc is disrupted, and dangerous compression of the nerve roots of the chest is possible.

Diffuse protrusion is considered a special condition. With it, the pulp has already left its physiological limits, but is still protected by the fibrous membrane. This condition is dangerous because at any moment a sharp tear of the dense ring can occur, and the pulp will come out, squeezing nerve roots, and in best case scenario- spinal cord. This condition requires constant medical attention, and better yet, prompt surgery.

Thoracic disc herniation

The intervertebral disc consists of a dense fibrous ring on the outside, which protects the soft nucleus pulposus located inside. This entire structure begins to dry out and lose its elastic properties due to deterioration of blood circulation during degenerative processes of cartilage tissue. Then a protrusion, or protrusion of part of the disc, forms.

It is not surprising that it is the area of ​​protrusion that experiences the greatest pressure during sudden or static loads on the spine. And then the fibrous ring can rupture, and the soft pulp can come out through the resulting crack.

Everyone knows that the main supporting axis of the human skeleton is its spine. That is why so much attention is paid to him - without proper work a person loses this organ the main part of his life.

Anatomy of the human spine

The anatomy of our body tells us that this important supporting element is not as simple as it seems at first glance - it is divided into 5 parts. The column includes: cervical lumbar, sacrum and coccyx. Total vertebrae in all sections: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 4-5 coccyx. In addition, several fused bones make up the sacrum.

Evolution has created the human body as it is today: moderately mobile and at the same time capable of unique actions (as the Guinness Book of Records will tell you). A person owes most of his abilities to the spine, as well as to the organs surrounding and supporting it: ligaments, muscles, intervertebral discs, and even the spinal cord located inside the column.

"Helpers" of the spinal column

Each vertebra, regardless of belonging to one or another department, has a more massive part located in front, which takes the entire main load on itself. This is his body. An arc extends from it, forming a ring together with the body; the spinal cord is located in it. This is where the vertebral processes emerge. They perform a connecting function. All the cervical and thoracic columns are united into one column using intervertebral discs. In addition, this structure is supported by ligaments and muscles. The sizes vary, in an adult they can reach 25% of the entire length of the spine. In addition, their sizes differ by department: the cervical and lumbar discs are larger, since the greatest mobility must be ensured there.

thoracic vertebra

The thoracic vertebrae take on a little more load than their “brothers”, so you can notice slight differences in their structure. One of them is a more massive vertebral body. In addition, the neighbors of these elements are the ribs, hence the difference in anatomy.

Departments thoracic vertebra the following: the superior and inferior vertebral notches, the superior and inferior articular process, the transverse process and its costal fossa, the vertebral body, the superior and inferior costal fossae, the spinous process, the vertebral arch and the vertebral foramen.

The purpose of the costal fossae is to connect the vertebral body with the ribs. They are located next to the arc. The location of the ribs between two “neighbors” determines the presence of an upper and lower fossa in the thoracic vertebra, however, they are incomplete (half). However, there are exceptions here too - the 1st vertebra has only a full and one lower half fossa for the corresponding 1st and 2nd ribs. There is also one half fossa at the 10th vertebra, intended for the corresponding rib, and the 11th and 12th “assistant” have only a full fossa for the corresponding “neighbors”.

In particular, the structure of the thoracic vertebrae can also be added. They are longer and inclined downwards, where, when connecting, they form something similar to tiles. This feature is easiest to see at the level of the 4th-10th vertebrae.

What is thoracic kyphosis?

Flexibility of the spine is one of its main abilities; it is acquired during development. There are such concepts as lordosis and kyphosis. Lordosis is the ability of the cervical and lumbar spine to bend forward, and kyphosis is the ability of the thoracic and sacral spine to bend backward.

It often happens that, under the influence of injuries or weakened muscles and ligaments, abnormal posture begins to develop. This in turn leads to a number of diseases.

The anatomical properties of the spine ensure that the thoracic vertebrae, forming thoracic kyphosis, can take on a large load and absorb it. However, it must be remembered that displacement of this load in one direction or another can lead to deformation of the shape of the vertebral body or have a destructive effect on the intervertebral area.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae

This disease is one of the most common in the thoracic musculoskeletal system. It is somewhat different in nature from similar disease in another department, because, as previously noted, the structure of the vertebrae is somewhat different.

You may notice that the thoracic vertebrae are less mobile. But the symptoms of osteochondrosis in this department can be distinguished by quite painful sensations, since the spinal nerves from this zone innervate the entire shoulder girdle and upper limbs. And also the internal organs of the chest and abdominal area. Here is also the narrowest spinal canal and the smallest vertebrae themselves, and, therefore, the most favorable conditions for the development of disc herniation.

What are the causes of thoracic osteochondrosis?

In order to understand what causes the disease, let’s pay attention to who is most often exposed to it?

• People with metabolic disorders and overweight.
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
• Patients with hypertension diabetes mellitus with thyroid pathology.
• People staying for a long time in an awkward position.
• Patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
• Patients with scoliosis or excessive kyphosis.

Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The disease has a wide variety of symptoms. Probably, the number of thoracic vertebrae a person has, the number of manifestations of osteochondrosis. This diversity is due to the large zone of innervation emanating from the thoracic spinal cord. Very often, pinching or inflammation of the radicular nerves occurs. This process is accompanied by pain of varying intensity and localization. However, it can even lead to dysfunction of internal organs.

Symptoms that the thoracic vertebrae are affected by osteochondrosis are as follows:

• Backache.
• Girdle pain in the chest with greater intensity when inhaling.
• Numbness, “pins and needles” in the chest area.
• Heartache.
• Abdominal pain.
• Pain and decreased muscle activity in the upper extremities.
• Disorder of internal organs due to innervation.

Displacement of the thoracic vertebrae

The well-known displacement of the thoracic vertebrae was hidden under the literary medical diagnosis “vertebral subluxation”. Its symptoms are very similar to osteochondrosis. This outcome is preceded by a change in the location of the vertebra or damage to the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which leads to narrowing of the entire canal and compression nerve fibers And blood vessels and resulting pain and swelling.

The difference between a subluxation and a dislocation is that although the surfaces of the articular joint move, they continue to touch.

Since the thoracic vertebrae are less subject to stress than others and participate less in motor activity than others, displacement in the thoracic region - a rare event. More often this pathology occurs in the cervical region. However, if displacement does occur, then complications are more dangerous. This can lead to disruption of blood supply or circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Considering how many thoracic vertebrae there are, the consequences of subluxation can also include:

• Difficulty breathing or asthma (subluxation of the 1st thoracic vertebra).
• Heart dysfunction (subluxation of the 2nd thoracic vertebra).
• Bronchopulmonary malaise (subluxation of the 3rd thoracic vertebra).
• Pancreatitis and other diseases of the biliary tract (subluxation of the 4th vertebra).
• Arthritis (displacement of the 5th thoracic vertebra).
• Stomach ulcer, gastritis (6-7 vertebrae).
• Decreased immunity (8 vertebra).
• Impaired kidney function (displacement of the 9th vertebra).
• Intestinal disorders, blurred vision, problems with the heart (10th vertebra).
• Skin diseases (subluxation of the 11th vertebra).
• Rheumatism and even infertility as a result of displacement of the 12th vertebra.

Symptoms include the following:

• Pain between the shoulder blades, sharp and then drawing, which noticeably worsens during the movement of the torso.
• Limited mobility of one or both arms.
• Weakness.
• Muscle tension.

Fractures of the thoracic spine

One of the most complex diseases spine - fracture. And the thoracic region is no exception. Based on location, fractures in this section include fractures of the 5th, 6th, 7th thoracic vertebrae, 9-12th, transverse and spinous processes.

Due to their occurrence, several types are distinguished. This is a post-traumatic fracture of the thoracic vertebrae (consequences of severe road accidents or sports injuries), when a weight falls on the victim’s shoulders, when falling from a height; among paratroopers and paratroopers as a result labor activity. Fractures due to metastases in the spine or osteoporosis are observed less frequently, but they also occur.

Based on the nature of the damage, it is noted that most often fractures of the thoracic vertebrae are not accompanied by displacement and are very rarely accompanied by damage to the spinal cord.

Our spine is our support in the literal and figurative sense; a person’s life changes dramatically if the moment comes when we lose it. That is why it is so important to know more about this organ and take better care of its health.

The human spinal column is represented by five sections, the largest of which is the thoracic spine. It is made up of 12 “spines”, which far exceeds the number of cervical - 7, lumbar - 5, sacral - 5 and 4-5 coccygeal.

Since in Latin the thoracic sounds like Thoracalis, the vertebrae of the thoracic region are designated Th1 - Th 12.

Formation

Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs

It is not difficult to guess that how many vertebrae there are in the human thoracic spine, so many pairs of ribs are attached to it. It should be noted that contrary to biblical beliefs, men and women have the same number of pairs of ribs. The ribs of the first seven pairs are attached to the thoracic spine at the back and directly to the sternum at the front. The next three pairs arise from the “ridges” of the thoracic region, and are fastened in front by costal cartilages, which form false ribs. And finally, the last two pairs (11th and 12th ribs) are attached at only one point - to the corresponding thoracic vertebrae, and in front their cartilaginous ends end at abdominal muscles and therefore are called free.

Some people, as an exception, have a 13th pair of ribs, which are considered rudimentary features. Moreover, their formation most often occurs at the last (seventh) cervical vertebra, which has hyperplastic transverse processes. In this case, rudimentary ribs can be felt as bone formations through the supraclavicular fossa.

The presence of fastening of the thoracic spine through the ribs with the sternum makes this area much tougher than the cervical and lumbar spine, and also gives some structural features to the thoracic vertebrae. The spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae partially overlap each other, which further stiffens the thoracic region and makes it more limited in movement. However, this part of the spine is also characterized by flexibility and springiness, since the vertebrae are separated intervertebral disc. Its structure is typical for the entire spine: the internal nucleus pulposus is surrounded by a dense ring of cartilage tissue, which has elasticity and elasticity. This structure allows for anterior flexion, lateral flexion of the thoracic region and its rotation, while protecting the vertebrae from friction against each other.

Features of the thoracic vertebrae

Thoracic vertebrae are intermediate in size between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. They become progressively more massive as they move from top to bottom.

The anatomy of the thoracic vertebra may be typical or atypical.

The vertebrae of the thoracic spine usually have a body (its top view is shaped like a heart), a arch or an arch formed by the legs. The pedicles of the thoracic vertebrae are cylindrical structures, thicker anteriorly and thinner laterally. The cross section shows that they are larger in height than in width. The pedicles limit the intravertebral space where the spinal cord and nerves pass. It has an uneven diameter because the height of the legs varies from “ridge” to “ridge”. The smallest dimensions of the legs are between Th 3 and Th 6 and can only be 10 mm in height and 4 mm in width. The largest diameter of the vertebral foramen forms the twelfth thoracic "spine", the height of its legs is 14 mm, and the thickness is 8 mm.

If you pay attention to the side view, then the spinous process extends from the arch at an acute angle downward, transverse processes extend on both sides, and up and down the arch forms articular processes that attach the vertebrae to each other.

At the ends of the transverse processes there are costal fossae. The structure of the thoracic vertebra allows the rib to be attached in two places: at the tip of the transverse process and at the place where the pedicle meets the vertebral body (fossa). The presence of such dimples is the main feature of the thoracic vertebrae and their group hallmark. This articulation of the vertebrae with the ribs allows the rib cage (ribs) to easily rise and fall during breathing movements.

If we consider the thoracic region from top to bottom, we can note that the first thoracic vertebra has an atypical structure and is more reminiscent of the cervical vertebra (smaller in height, but wider). It has one complete upper fossa and a half fossa at the lower edge of the body. Other atypical thoracic vertebrae – Th 11, Th 12 – also have entire fossae on their body for attachment of ribs, and Th 10 has only an upper semi-fossa. At the same time, any typical thoracic vertebra (Th 2–Th 8) has two costal semi-fossae. This is due to the fact that, in contact, two adjacent vertebrae form one full-fledged fossa, where the rib joint is attached.

The lower vertebra Th 12 also more closely resembles the lumbar ones, since it articular surfaces are not directed strictly vertically, but acquire some inclination (up to 30 degrees), which makes it possible to form the beginning of a lumbar deflection

In the figure you can see that the upper articular surfaces of Th 12 are directed slightly upward and slightly laterally (indicated in red), and the lower articular surfaces already correspond to those in lumbar region(blue designation). That is, they are directed outward and anteriorly and slightly convex in the transverse direction.

Possible pathologies

Due to the fact that the thoracic region is less mobile than the rest, dislocations or subluxations rarely occur here, but if damage occurs, it almost always poses a threat to the spinal cord and chest organs.

What is each thoracic vertebra responsible for?

• Damage to Th 1 leads to breathing difficulties or can even cause asthma.
• Th 2 can significantly influence cardiac function.
• Damage to Th 3 provokes problems in the bronchi-lung system.
• Infringement spinal nerves at the level of Th 4 - Th 5 provokes the development of pancreatitis and bile ducts.
• The sixth and seventh thoracic “ridges” can, by their displacement, provoke disorders in the functioning of the stomach and cause gastritis.
• Th 8, surprisingly, has an effect on the immune system.
• Th 9 is associated with normal kidney function.
• Th 10-Th 11 are responsible for intestinal health.
• Some experts associate Th 12 with the reproductive system.

Among other things, the 12th thoracic vertebra bears the entire weight of the thoracic region along with the ribs and chest, so it is considered the most vulnerable. At the transition point of the thoracic to lumbar region, the most biomechanically complex movements occur - rotation, bending in several planes, and at the same time, the Th 11-Th 12 vertebrae and the lumbar L1-L2 vertebrae are not the most powerful in the spinal column.

Most often, when they talk about injury to the 12th thoracic vertebra, we're talking about about his compression fracture

A compression pearl means that the vertebral body is compressed by its neighbors, resulting in a sharp decrease in its height with damage to the bone structure. Sufficient pressure to cause compression can occur when you hit your head during a dive or when you fall on straight legs. Provoking factor easy education Compression fracture may be due to osteoporosis, that is, a decrease in density in the bone structure of the vertebral bodies. Wedge-shaped flattening of the body of one “ridge” disrupts its supporting function for the rest of the ridge, displacement of other sections occurs, and deformation inside spinal canal and spinal cord damage.

The back at the site of the fracture may acquire a “hump” or other pronounced curvature. When a person’s thoracic spine is damaged, many threatening symptoms arise - headache, nausea with vomiting, feeling of suffocation, respiratory and cardiac dysfunction, numbness of the upper or lower extremities.

Other most common pathologies of the thoracic spine include osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, formation intervertebral hernias, sciatica, scoliosis or excessive kyphosis.

So, despite all the strength and thoughtfulness of the design, the thoracic spine also needs careful treatment, regular physical exercise, massage and stretching, as well as correct and good nutrition to maintain elasticity and strength of all structures.

The human spine is a very interesting structure that provides many important functions.

It is what ensures human upright posture and is the support for many structures. human body: muscles, ligaments, bones, internal organs. Every structural element, which makes up the spinal column, including the thoracic vertebra, has features that allow it to most effectively perform its functions.

Features of the human spine

In Latin, the spine is called Columna Vertebralis, which translates as spinal column. However, this structure has a very indirect relation to the shape of the column - it has too many bends, only a newborn child has a straight spine, like a column.

As a person ages, vertebral curves appear. First, cervical lordosis forms when the child raises his head. Then, as he begins to sit, the thoracic spine curves backward, forming thoracic kyphosis. By the time of vertical movement, lumbar lordosis is formed due to the constant vertical load. All these phenomena are caused by the action of gravity - it is this that causes the appearance of physiological curvatures.

Lordosis is the convexity of the spine facing forward, kyphosis - backward.

In an adult, the spine performs following functions:

1. supporting - the head rests on top of it. The anatomy of the thoracic vertebra provides attachment to the ribs, through which the upper limbs rest on the spine. The interaction of the spine and the skeleton of the arms is carried out through complex system muscles and ligaments, while the bones of the arms do not directly contact the spine.
2. Motor - attached to the spine a large number of muscles that provide movement of the entire human body. The spinal column itself is capable of limited bending, providing even greater human mobility. IN different departments the degree of mobility varies significantly due to the structural features intervertebral discs and intervertebral joints.
3. Protective - the spinal cord runs through the center of the spine. Due to the fact that it is surrounded throughout bone tissue, it is quite difficult to damage it. In addition, the spine also protects the organs of the chest due to the fact that it participates in the formation chest cavity- he creates it together with the ribs back wall.
4. Shock absorption - due to physiological bends, as well as the presence of cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae, there is a significant reduction in any sudden longitudinal load. A person can run, jump, and engage in heavy physical work without fear of damage to the spine and spinal cord.

Functions of the vertebrae

In general, the functions of these bone elements coincide with the functions of the entire spinal column, that is, they provide protection, movement, shock absorption and support. Differences in the structure of individual vertebrae allow them to provide other functions. So, in cervical spine there are additional openings through which arteries pass. The human thoracic vertebrae additionally perform a fixation function - the ribs are attached to them, and the internal organs are fixed to them from the side of the chest. A distinctive feature of the thoracic spine is that it forms the frame of the chest.

Thoracic spine

The number of thoracic vertebrae is 12. They are numbered from top to bottom from Th1 to Th12 (the abbreviation Th means Thorax - chest). How many vertebrae a person has in the thoracic spine is determined by the number of ribs - exactly 12 pairs of ribs a person has.

There is a clear dynamics in the change in the size of the vertebrae of the described section from the first number to the twelfth - there is a gradual increase in their mass and size. This is explained by the fact that each one located below experiences a greater load compared to the one above.

Structure of the thoracic vertebra

In general, the structure of the thoracic vertebra is standard. It is formed by the following structures:

1. body - disc-shaped bone formation, which performs the main supporting function.
2. The arch is a bony structure that closes the vertebral foramen through which the spinal cord passes.
3. The legs of the arch are a paired formation that connects the arch and the body and closes the vertebral foramen from the sides.
4. Processes:
   1. transverse - located in the frontal (transverse) plane and serves for attachment muscle ligaments, as well as for supporting the ribs.
   2. Articular processes - extend up and down from the arch. In this case, the lower processes of the upper vertebra are connected to upper processes lower, forming the so-called facet joints that strengthen the spine.
   3. The spinous process is the longest bony protrusion on the arch, located in the sagittal (longitudinal) plane. It is the spinous processes that prevent the spinal column from hyperextension. They can be felt through the skin on the back.

Each vertebra has various openings and surfaces that ensure the normal functioning of the vertebral-costal and intervertebral joints.

Features of the thoracic vertebrae

Despite common features with other vertebrae, the vertebrae of the thoracic spine have several significant differences due to the peculiarities of the functioning of this section. The design features of this department ensure the structural integrity of this important department human body like the chest. It contains important organs: the heart and lungs that need reliable protection, part of which is provided by the spine.

A distinctive feature of this section is the height of the intervertebral discs. Their thickness in this section is slightly lower than in others - this causes less mobility of the breast. One more distinctive feature The diameter of the vertebral foramen is smaller, so any chest injuries, especially those accompanied by fractures, are fraught with damage to the spinal cord and the development of corresponding symptoms.

The thoracic vertebrae also differ from other vertebrae in the presence of an additional articular surface on their surface - at the site of attachment of the rib head. Moreover, the vertebrae of this section differ from each other in the location of this surface.

Articulation of vertebrae with ribs

The structural features of the human spinal column in the described section are due to the fact that the vertebrae of this section, unlike others, are connected to additional bone structures- with ribs. This determines some differences in the structure of the thoracic vertebrae.

Th1 (the first thoracic vertebra) on the lateral surface at the upper edge of the body has a paired round depression - the articular fossa, into which the head of the first rib enters. At the lower edge of this vertebra there is also a paired semicircular depression - the lower semi-fossa, which, together with the upper semi-fossa Th2, forms the articular fossa of the 2nd rib.

The vertebrae of this section from 2 to 9 have a similar structure: each has two articular semi-fossae, which, when connected in pairs, form the corresponding costovertebral joints. On Th10 there is only an upper semi-fossa, but on the 11th and 12th vertebrae there are two complete fossae, into which the heads of the corresponding ribs enter.

The complexity of the structure of the costovertebral joint ensures the relative mobility of the ribs. This is necessary to carry out the act of breathing, during which the ribs rise and fall.

Characteristics of each thoracic vertebra

The differences between different thoracic vertebrae are more clearly shown in the table:

The size of the vertebrae increases from top to bottom, that is, the 12th thoracic vertebra is the largest in this department.

Video

Thoracic vertebra

What diseases cause damage to the vertebrae

In humans permanent loads on the vertebrae due to the vertical position of the body, causing intervertebral hernias. However, for the thoracic region this is not a very typical pathology - less than 1% of all intervertebral hernias. An interesting fact is that the primary location of such hernias in this section is between the 6th and 7th thoracic vertebrae. This is explained central position 6th thoracic vertebra - it experiences maximum dynamic loads arising from both the legs and the shoulder girdle.

A more common pathology of the thoracic spine is spondyloarthrosis - a dystrophic lesion of the facet joints. The pathology is manifested by pain, which increases significantly with movement.

With osteoporosis caused by calcium deficiency or hormonal imbalances, pathological conditions often occur. They are called pathological for the reason that their occurrence does not require a strong traumatic action - the vertebra is “flattened” simply under the weight of the body.

Changes occur in the structure of the thoracic vertebra under the influence of gravity and under improper loads - the configuration of the vertebral body changes. This leads to the development of diseases such as kyphosis or scoliosis. With kyphosis, the anterior part of the vertebral body becomes thinner, and the natural curve of the thoracic region becomes excessive (pathological). Outwardly it looks like a slouch initial stage or like a hump in an advanced case.

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spinal column.

The vertebrae become thinner in the lateral sections. The combination of the two mentioned pathologies is called kyphoscoliosis - the curvature is complex.

The spinal column consists of vertebrae assembled into an S-shaped structure, which ensures the musculoskeletal function of the entire skeleton.

The structure of a human vertebra is both simple and complex, so further we will consider what parts it consists of and what function it performs.

The spine is the main part of the human skeleton, ideally adapted to perform a supporting function. Due to its unique structure and shock-absorbing capabilities, the spine is able to distribute the load not only along its entire length, but also to other parts of the skeleton.

The spine consists of 32-33 vertebrae, assembled into a movable structure, inside which is the spinal cord, as well as nerve endings. Between the vertebrae there are intervertebral discs, thanks to which the spine has flexibility and mobility, and its bone parts do not touch each other.

Thanks to the structure of the spine ideally created by nature, it is able to ensure normal human life. He is responsible for:

• Creation reliable support when moving;
• proper functioning of organs;
• combining muscle and bone tissue into one system;
• spinal cord protection and vertebral artery.

The flexibility of the spine is developed individually for everyone, and depends, first of all, on genetic predisposition, as well as on the type of human activity.

The spinal column is a framework for attaching muscle tissue, which in turn is for it protective layer, since they take on external mechanical influences.

Spinal sections

The spine is divided into five sections.

Table No. 1. Structure of the vertebrae. Characteristics and functions of departments.

Vertebral structure

A vertebra is the main component of the spinal column.

In the center of each vertebra there is a small opening called the spinal canal. It is reserved for the spinal cord and vertebral artery. They run through the entire spine. The connection between the spinal cord and the organs and limbs of the body is achieved through nerve endings.

Basically the structure of the vertebrae is the same. Only the fused areas and a pair of vertebrae, designed to perform certain functions, differ.

A vertebra consists of the following elements:

• body;
• legs (on both sides of the body);
• spinal canal;
• articular processes (two);
• transverse processes (two);
• spinous process.

The vertebral body is located anteriorly, and the processes are located posteriorly. The latter are the connecting link between the back and the muscles. The flexibility of the spine is developed individually for everyone, and it depends, first of all, on a person’s genetics, and only then on the level of development.

Due to its shape, the vertebra ideally protects both the spinal cord and the nerves extending from it.

The spine is protected by muscles. Due to their density and location, a layer like a shell is formed. Rib cage and organs protect the spine from the front.

This vertebral structure was not chosen by nature by chance. It helps maintain the health and safety of the spine. In addition, this shape helps the vertebrae remain strong over time.

Vertebrae of various departments

The cervical vertebra has small size and an elongated shape. In its transverse processes there is a relatively large triangular foramen formed by the vertebral arch.

Thoracic vertebra. In its body, which is large in size, there is a round hole. There is a costal fossa on the transverse process of the thoracic vertebra. The connection between a vertebra and a rib is its main function. On the sides of the vertebra there are two more fossae - lower and upper, but they are costal.

The lumbar vertebra has a bean-shaped large body. The spinous processes are located horizontally. There are small gaps between them. The spinal canal of the lumbar vertebra is relatively small.

Sacral vertebra. As a separate vertebra, it exists until about 25 years old, then fusion with others occurs. As a result, one bone is formed - the sacrum, which has triangular shape, the top of which faces down. This vertebra has a small free space allocated for the spinal canal. Fused vertebrae do not stop performing their functions. The first vertebra of this section connects the sacrum with the fifth lumbar vertebra. The apex is the fifth vertebra. It connects the sacrum and coccyx. The remaining three vertebrae form the surfaces of the pelvis: anterior, posterior and lateral.

The vertebra at the coccyx is oval. Hardens late, which jeopardizes the integrity of the coccyx, since in early age it may be damaged by impact or injury. At the first coccygeal vertebra, the body is equipped with outgrowths, which are rudiments. At the top of the first vertebra of the coccygeal region are the processes of the joints. They are called coccygeal horns. They connect to the horns located in the sacrum.

If you want to learn more about the structure, and also consider what each vertebra is responsible for, you can read an article about this on our portal.

Features of the structure of certain vertebrae

The atlas consists of anterior and posterior arches connected together by lateral masses. It turns out that the Atlas has a ring instead of a body. There are no shoots. Atlas connects the spine and the skull thanks to the occipital bone. The lateral thickenings have two articular surfaces. The upper surface is oval, attached to the occipital bone. The lower circular surface connects to the second cervical vertebra.

Second cervical vertebra(axis or epistropheus) has a large process that is shaped like a tooth. This shoot is part of Atlas. This tooth is an axis. Atlas and the head rotate around her. That is why epistrophy is called axial.

Due to the joint functioning of the first two vertebrae, a person is able to move his head in different directions without experiencing problems.

The sixth cervical vertebra is distinguished by costal processes that are considered vestigial. It is called protruding because it has a longer spinous process than other vertebrae.

If you want to learn in more detail and also consider the functions of bends, you can read an article about it on our portal.

Diagnosis of spinal diseases

Vertebrology – modern direction medicine, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the spine.

Previously, this was done by a neurologist, and if the case was severe, then by an orthopedist. IN modern medicine This is done by doctors trained in the field of spinal pathologies.

Today's medicine provides doctors with numerous opportunities to diagnose spinal diseases and treat them. Among them, minimally invasive methods are popular, because with minimal intervention in the body, a greater result is achieved.

In vertebrology, diagnostic methods that can provide results in the form of images or other types of visualization are critical. Formerly a doctor could only order an x-ray.

There are now many more options that can provide accurate results. These include:

• CT scan;
• myelography;
• electroneurography;
• electromyography.

Moreover, today in medical practice, vertebrologists often use a map of segmental innervation. It allows you to associate the cause and symptoms with which vertebra is affected and which organs it is connected to.

Table No. 2. Map of segmental innervation

Anatomy in Chinese

Several thousand years before humanity invented radiography, Chinese doctors already knew about the connection between internal organs human and spine.

If we are based on the theory of acupuncture, then the main knowledge that we received from the ancient Chinese is knowledge about bioactive points that have a direct effect on internal organs. These points are located near the spine.

Depending on the location of the pain, we can talk about the disease itself. To recover from it, you need to influence the sore point. This can be achieved using hands (massage) or various means(for example, special needles).

Video – Acupuncture

The ideas of Chinese doctors of that time about the connection between internal organs and vertebrae are completely similar to the map of segmental innervation that modern doctors have.

Moreover, Chinese scientists back in ancient times came to the conclusion that emotions influence physical state. They were able to create a system for detecting diseases based on emotions. The main emphasis is on which emotional component harms a particular organ.

Table No. 3. Chinese health card.

Modern medicine on scientific basis fully confirms all the knowledge that Chinese scientists of ancient times shared with us.

Treatment

There are many spinal treatment options available in inpatient conditions. However, besides them there is a simple and affordable way healing is an oriental massage. Anyone can master it and do it at home.

According to Chinese tradition, bioactive points in humans they are located near the above vertebrae (see table No. 2). The distance is two fingers.

At a distance of four fingers there are points where, according to Chinese doctors, destructive emotions accumulate. By walking along the entire length of the spine with just your fingertips, the massage therapist improves the functioning of the entire body.

Movements are made gently along the spine. You need to move from the highest point down.

The main rule of massage. The person receiving the massage should enjoy the process and not experience pain. If pain occurs when you press on any point, then you need to ease the pressure.

A simple massage, when performed correctly, can improve the condition of the human body. But the main thing is to get rid of the reasons that cause negative emotions. After all, they are usually the root cause of all problems.

Video – Oriental massage Yumeiho