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Structure, functions and diseases of 1 to 7 vertebrae of the cervical spine in humans

The First cervical vertebra, or Atlas, is the main bony component of the cervical spine, which offset almost 80% of the world population. The reasons are the birth trauma, have become rare in the modern world. However, this situation can be corrected. The main thing is not to delay going to the doctor, because the twisted first cervical vertebra often leads to pinched nerves and cause unpleasant pain.

Structure of the cervical spine

At the initial stage, the problem can be easily solved. You need to listen sensitively to signals of own organism.

Anatomy of the spine

In order To accurately understand the problems associated with the cervical spine, you should understand what it consists of. The structure of the spine is quite easy to remember, because there are only five departments:

  • neck;
  • breast;
  • lumbar
  • sacral
  • coccygeal.

In turn, the cervical spine in humans consists of 7 vertebrae and has a slight curve, resembling the letter S. This shape is completely normal and should not cause any concern. The cervical spine is rightfully considered the most mobile region of the spine, because it is responsible for the range of motion of the neck. Here it does not matter how many vertebrae are included in the composition. It is only important to their specific structure.

Anatomy of the spine

Atlanta, GA is 1 cervical vertebra, which is axial. Unlike other vertebrae, he has no body and spinous process. Form but Atlanta looks like a ring consisting of anterior and posterior arches. Has 1 cervical vertebra and the point of contact with the occipital bone.

In front of the vertebra there is a small tubercle, and behind – the depression, where Atlanta, GA connects with the vertebral body. In addition, the rear arc contains bone and artery.

2-6 cervical vertebra constitutes the middle link of the cervical spine with high mobility. This includes 3, 4 cervical vertebrae, do not have a definite function, but is essential to assuring the mobility of the neck. Regardless of how many vertebrae are in the cervical spine, all of them are equally important for normal human life. As the second cervical vertebra, and, for example, the fifth.

7 vertebra is called the speaker for its slightly curved shape. It constitutes the connecting link between the cervical and thoracic Department, while remaining no less agile than, for example, 5 cervical vertebra.

In addition, all vertebrae of the cervical spine have corresponding numbering, from 1 to 7. A zero element in the structure of the Department, oddly enough, is recognized as the occipital bone.

spinal Disease

What diseases can occur?

Both 1 and 2 cervical vertebra, and no any other, can be prone to many diseases. Reasons for this phenomenon there are enough, and to predict what will be the catalyst, impossible. However, the problems that can occur in humans at any time, you need to know.

Among the most common contemporary problems of the cervical spine can be distinguished:

  1. Osteochondrosis. The neglect of physical exercise, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet can't affect the human health. Primarily affected bone, which from lack of movements lose their mobility. As a consequence of the limited movements of the neck and unpleasant and sometimes even painful sensations. First, they arise only when head rotation, but in the future will be bothering a person and without any reason.
  2. Mechanical injury. Despite the fact that one of the main functions of the vertebrae is to protect the internal organs and ensuring its upright posture, they are quite fragile and can easily break. People should be very careful, because you can restore their original appearance and functionality will not be so easy.
  3. Infectious disease. According to statistics, such problems are rare but still occur. As a rule, they affect not only 1, but 2 and even 7 cervical vertebra, effectively bringing the neck in immobile state. The most common causes of this phenomenon is HIV, syphilis, or toxic poisoning, caused by taking heavy drugs.
  4. Hormonal and age-related changes in the body. Under the influence of many factors calcium from bone tissue begins to clean up, which inevitably leads to the development of many diseases that affect the vertebrae. Completely stop this process is impossible, but it can be slowed down, if the time to go to the doctor.

a Sedentary lifestyle is a cause of disease of the cervical spine

Diseases affecting the cervical vertebrae, to date, there are very many, and almost each of them carries potential risk to human health. In order to preserve the health of the cervicalDepartment, don't self-medicate! Better to go to a specialist and show him the problem. Such reassurance never hurt anyone!

Prevention is required by each

In order not to become a hostage situation, one must not only know the anatomy, but also to constantly monitor their health.

Banal and at the same time, an effective rule is regular exercise. It is not necessary to load yourself with workouts in the gym which bring no benefit and only a sense of inner depletion.

Exercise 2-3 times a week is enough. It is not necessary to select power sport. Enough light exercise for the soul, and the body is always in good shape. It is a light shake and a good mood are also responsible for the health of the person.

The Second important aspect of prevention of diseases affecting ring-shaped first cervical vertebra in humans, is proper nutrition.

It May seem that these components have nothing in common, but it is not. Enriched with vitamins foods easily digested and makes the bones stronger. But on the bad foods and fast food can be expected only destructive effects, which usually relates to all the systems included in the human anatomy.

In addition, we should not forget the timely visit to the diagnostic center even if no symptoms are observed. Possible to develop problems with the vertebrae of the neck there are serious preconditions. In this case, the doctor can prescribe therapy that will support the body and make it less susceptible to negative external factors. Especially clearly this rule must follow the people whose age more than 40 years. In this case, can suffer not only ring-shaped vertebra, but another equally important element of the seventh cervical vertebra.

That it connects with breast Department and is the final link in the chain of the cervical spine. Therefore, the 7 cervical vertebra is not less important than all the rest. His health is also need to pay attention to.

The structure of man there is no unnecessary organs or systems, each of them needs attention. You should not deny the body in this whim – he will thank his owner for many years of teamwork. And about how many cervical vertebrae of all, people do forget and need them.