selkäydinpylväs

Selkäydinpylväs, also known as the vertebral column or spine, is a complex bony structure that extends from the skull to the pelvis. It serves as the central support system for the body, protecting the delicate spinal cord and allowing for a wide range of movement.

The selkäydinpylväs is composed of individual bones called vertebrae, which are stacked one on top of another. These vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for flexibility. The number and shape of vertebrae vary slightly between different regions of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), lumbar (lower back), sacrum (fused vertebrae at the base of the spine), and coccyx (tailbone).

The spinal cord, a vital part of the central nervous system, runs through the vertebral canal within the selkäydinpylväs. Nerves branch out from the spinal cord to connect with every part of the body, transmitting signals between the brain and the extremities.

The selkäydinpylväs is crucial for maintaining posture, enabling locomotion, and protecting the spinal cord from injury. Its intricate structure allows for bending, twisting, and extension, contributing significantly to human mobility and daily activities. Disorders affecting the selkäydinpylväs can lead to pain, restricted movement, and neurological deficits.