The comparative morphology of the vertebrate spinal column. Its form as related to function

Abstract

Abstract The form of the vertebral column is definitely related to its function as a supporting rod, a base for attachment of body and limb muscles, and a protection of the spinal cord and nerves. Primitively composed of a series of simple undifferentiated blocks, it progressively becomes complicated through development of articular processes giving added strength and greater mobility. Simultaneously, the centrum and the neural arch become adapted to withstand tension and compression stresses which vary with the movements possible in different regions of the column. These movements are partially determined by the plane of the zygapophyses and the nature of the intercentral articulation, together with the action of the axial muscles and ligaments. In fish and primitive tetrapods the axial musculature serves as the chief locomotor organ and consists of a series of myomeres extending with little interruption from the head to the tail. In tetrapods the locomotor function is taken over by the limbs and the axial muscles become progressively differentiated into long flexors and extensors of the column and gradually lose their external segmentation.