Page 78 - ASOP ROT Study Guide

14. THE REGIONS OF THE SPINE

The different regions of the vertebral column have a slightly different structure, range of
movement and function.

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14 . 1 Cervical
The cervical spinal region consists of seven vertebrae that are found in the area we commonly
call
the neck. This is the most mobile section of the spine. The top two bones, the atlas and the axis,
are particularly mobile and these bones and their articulation with each other enables most of the
rotation of the head from side to side. The rest of the bones and joints in the neck allow mainly
anterior or forward flexion and extension - or nodding of the head. The region is very susceptible
to injury and wearing diseases because it is so mobile.
14.2 Dorsal (thoracic)
The dorsal region consists of twelve vertebrae. Each vertebra is attached to a pair of ribs by
a synovial joint which permits the ribs to move up and down as we breathe. The ribs give
added rigidity to the dorsal spine and so it is not very mobile. There is only a very limited
degree of flexion and extension and little rotation
The dorsal spinal region is very strong, being supported at the front by the ribs and chest muscles.
Injury here is less common and wearing disease rare. If this region is fractured, paralysis caused by
damage to the spinal cord almost always follows.