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Related Concept Videos

Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
General Structure of a Vertebra01:30

General Structure of a Vertebra

A typical vertebra, with the exception of the sacrum and coccyx, consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven different projections termed processes. The anterior portion of the vertebrae, the body, supports about half the body’s weight. The vertebral bodies progressively increase in size and thickness from the cervical region to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs present between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae firmly unites them, forming a continuous column.
The Spinal Cord01:54

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy01:15

Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy

The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...
Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature01:16

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and  allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy01:16

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Adeno-associated Virus-mediated Transgene Expression in Genetically Defined Neurons of the Spinal Cord
08:41

Adeno-associated Virus-mediated Transgene Expression in Genetically Defined Neurons of the Spinal Cord

Published on: May 12, 2018

How do spinal segments move?

M M Wachowski1, M Mansour, C Lee

  • 1Department of Trauma Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Georg-August-University, Göttingen D-37075, Germany. martin.wachowski@web.de

Journal of Biomechanics
|August 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spinal segments exhibit distinct instantaneous helical axis (IHA) migration patterns under cyclic torques, varying by region and preload. Understanding this joint-guided IHA migration is crucial for designing non-fusion spinal implants.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Adeno-associated Virus-mediated Transgene Expression in Genetically Defined Neurons of the Spinal Cord
08:41

Adeno-associated Virus-mediated Transgene Expression in Genetically Defined Neurons of the Spinal Cord

Published on: May 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Spinal Kinematics
  • Orthopedic Biomechanics

Background:

  • Spinal segment kinematics under cyclic loading are complex.
  • Understanding the instantaneous helical axis (IHA) behavior is key to spinal mechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the kinematics of spinal segments under cyclic torques causing axial rotation, lateral-flexion, and flexion/extension.
  • To analyze the migration of the instantaneous helical axis (IHA) in response to various spinal loads.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 6D measurement techniques to track the location, alignment, and migration of the IHA.
  • Studied cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal segments subjected to axially directed preloads and cyclic torques (T(z), T(x), T(y)).

Main Results:

  • IHA alignment remained relatively constant but migrated along distinct centrodes across spinal regions.
  • Thoracic and lumbar segments showed region-specific IHA migration patterns, influenced by rotational and flexional status, with limited dependence on preload magnitude.
  • Cervical segments displayed distinct IHA behavior in flexion/extension versus axial rotation/lateral-flexion.

Conclusions:

  • Spinal joints alternate in guiding motion, with lumbar segments showing preload-dependent IHA control and cervical segments exhibiting coupled rotation and lateral-flexion.
  • IHA migration patterns are critical considerations for the design of non-fusion spinal implants.
  • Finite element (FE) calculations of spinal mechanics require detailed joint facet morphology data.