Question

Changing Anatomy will change Physiology: One way to think about the relationship between anatomy and physiology is to consider what would happen to the function if the anatomy changed. Answer the questions below: What impact would occur if the body of the lumbar vertebrae were small and thin

Answer 1

Answer: If the body of the lumbar vertebrae were small and thin, there would be inability of the vertebrae to support the weight of the upper body.

Explanation:

The ANATOMY of a vertebrae defines it's structure and organisations while the PHYSIOLOGY of a vertebrae defines it's functions.

The vertebral column is part of the axial skeleton which constitute the central bony core of the body. It is made up of 26 bones which are divided into different regions.

The CERVICAL VERTEBRAE: this is the first seven vertebrae, in the neck, which forms the cervical spine.

The THORACIC VERTEBRAE: this is the next twelve vertebrae after the cervical vertebrae.

The LUMBAR VERTEBRAE: this is made up of five bones and appears below the thoracic vertebrae. While the lowest part of the lumbar vertebrae articulates with the SACRUM.

The LUMBAR VERTEBRAE are the largest of the vertebrae because they have to support the weight of the upper body. They have substantial spinous processes for muscle attachment. Therefore if the structure of lumbar vertebrae where small and thin, the basic functions would be affected.