hryggliða

Hryggliða is an Icelandic term that translates to "vertebra" in English. It refers to each of the individual bones that make up the spinal column, or backbone. The human spine is typically composed of thirty-three hryggliðir, although this number can vary slightly due to fused vertebrae, particularly in the sacrum and coccyx. These bones are arranged in a column and are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for flexibility.

The hryggliðir are categorized into different regions based on their location. These include the cervical vertebrae (neck region), thoracic vertebrae (upper back, connected to the ribs), lumbar vertebrae (lower back), the sacrum (a fused section at the base of the spine), and the coccyx (tailbone, also fused). Each hrygla has a specific structure, including a vertebral body, a vertebral arch, and various processes that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments, and allow for articulation with adjacent vertebrae. The primary function of the hryggliðir is to protect the spinal cord, provide structural support for the body, and enable movement. Injuries or conditions affecting the hryggliðir can lead to significant pain and functional impairment.