Purpose and Function of the Spine

Stability
The human spine forms the flexible chordoskeleton of the body. Its main purpose is to help stabilize head, trunk and upright carriage. The most important role therein is played by the vertebrae, box-shaped bones which, due to their construction, are particularly resistent against top-down forces, e. g. when jumping, but also when climbing stairs or walking.

Mechanical Protection
Vertebral bodies and vertebral arches form a canal which houses the spinal cord as well as nerve branches, thus protecting them against external influences.

Shock Absorbance and Flexibility
In order to absorb impacts smoothly, “shock absorbers”, intervertebral discs, are inserted between the vertebrae which, together with vertebral joints, also enable any rotating, stretching and bending movements of the trunk.