1. Structure of Spine
Lloyd Dean
Skeletal System

2. Objectives
By the end of the lesson you should be able to:
Name the 5 curves of the spine
Describe the structure and function of vertebral discus
State irregularities of the spine

3. Structure of Spine
What is section called?
How many vertebrae are found
in each?
Sacrum (5)
Thoracic (12)
Coccyx (5 Fused)
Cervical (7)
Lumbar (5)

6. Structure of Invertebral Discs
Fibro cartilaginous cushions
Acts as shock absorbers
Extension and Flexion can occur
Structures:
Facet Joints – Hinge like joints that
link vertebrae
Ligaments – Joins vertebrae and
restricts hyper extension and hyper
flexion
Foramen – Runs down spine and
houses spinal cord
Nucleus Pulposus – Gel that is inside
disc

7. Irregular Curvatures of Spine
Kyphosis, Lordosis and Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Ligaments become relaxed
Bone disease
Pain in neck and back
“Hump back” appearance
Video:
http://www.spinehealth.com/video
/kyphosis-video-what-kyphosis

8. Lordosis
Exaggerated lumbar curve
Muscles around hip and
spine become tight
Usually trunk extensors,
hip flexors and abdominals
These muscles should be
focussed on to repair
imbalances

9. Scoliosis
Spine twist or corkscrew
appearance
Imbalance in leg size
Weakened ligaments allow
abnormal curvature
Not always painful
Weight bearing activities can assist
Reduce muscular imbalances with
training

10. Scoliosis
Spine twist or corkscrew
appearance
Imbalance in leg size
Weakened ligaments allow
abnormal curvature
Not always painful
Weight bearing activities can assist
Reduce muscular imbalances with
training