ABSTRACT
The spinal column forms the basic structure of the trunk and plays an important role in the maintenance of both static and dynamic posture. It allows individual as well as integrated movement of the head, neck and trunk. Structurally, it is able to do this via its division into the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, each giving rise to a distinct set of vertebral movements; functionally, a system of local and global muscles acts to mobilise and stabilise the spine. The skeletal anatomy of the spine is shown in Figure 9.1. Skeletal anatomy of the spine https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203784082/064f313b-98d1-4a74-aab7-6c02bda38e6d/content/fig9_1_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>
