Vertebral column

The vertebral column (backbone or spine) is a column of vertebrae situated in the dorsal aspect of the abdomen.

Abnormalities

Occasionally the coalescence of the laminae is not completed, and consequently a cleft is left in the arches of the vertebrae, through which a protrusion of the spinal membranes (dura mater and arachnoid), and generally of the spinal cord (medulla spinalis) itself, takes place, constituting the malformation known as spina bifida. This condition is most common in the lumbosacral region, but it may occur in the thoracic or cervical region, or the arches throughout the whole length of the canal may remain incomplete.

Related Topics:
Dura mater - Arachnoid - Spinal cord - Spina bifida

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The following abnormal curvatures may occur in some people:

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• Kyphosis is an exaggerated posterior curvature in the thoracic region. This produces the so-called "humpback".
• Lordosis is an exaggerated anterior curvature of the lumbar region, "swayback". Temporary lordosis is common among pregnant women.
• Scoliosis, lateral curvature, is the most common abnormal curvature, occurring in 0.5% of the population. It is more common among females and may result from unequal growth of the two sides of one or more vertebrae.