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Ever wanted to know some weird facts about the spine so you can impress your friends? Look no further! We can make you the life of the party.
Flexibility – The spine is VERY flexible. It’s able to bend into two-thirds of a circle.
Muscles – The spine has over 200 muscles that allow for it’s flexibility and range of motion.
Joints – The spine has over 100 joints that allow for flexibility and range of motion.
Ligaments – The spine has over 220 ligaments that keep the vertebrae connected and the spine stable.
Cartilage – It makes up 25% of the spines length!
Vertebrae – Humans are born with 33 vertebrae, but end up with 26 as adults.
Atlas – The first set of vertebrae in the neck are called the atlas, named after the mythological figure who carried the weight of the world.
Spinal cord – The spinal cord is the main pathway of communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Brain stem – The brain stem connects with the upper spine to control the essential functions like breathing, hunger and temperature.
Gravity – The absence of gravity during sleep allows the spine to decompress, which is why you might feel slightly taller in the morning.
End of the spinal cord – That is called the cauda equina, which is similar in appearance to a horses’ tail!
Facet joints – They are the boney knobs that provide flexibility to the spine.
Well there you have it, now you’re a ‘bonafide’ spinal expert! Go out and impress all of your friends!