National Board of Examiners
Certificate of Attainment Chiropractic License #5635
The human body was fashioned together in an absolutely
incredible way. We contain approximately 11 trillion cells, each internonnected
and intimately functioning together. The central nervous system (brain, brain
stem, and spinal cord) is connected to the peripheral nervous system (spinal
and peripheral nerves) and controls the way we move and function. Our skull
protects our brain and most of our brain stem, and our spine provides protection
to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
The spine is a column of small bones called "vertebrae",
that support the entire upper body. The column is grouped into three sections,
the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back) spine regions.
The neck consists of seven spinal bones created for
movement. There are twelve vertebrae in the middle back connecting to the
rib cage. The lumbar vertebrae are the five lowest and largest bones of the
spinal column. Most of the bodys weight and stress falls on the lumbar vertebrae.
Below the lumbar region is the sacrum, a triangular bony structure that connects
with the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints. At the end of the sacrum are two
to four tiny, partially fused vertebrae known as the coccyx or tail bone.