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Evolution of the Vertebral Column

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Surgery of the Spine and Spinal Cord

Abstract

The human vertebral column (or the spine) serves two main functions: a biomechanical one and a protective one. The spine gives the body longitudinal support (while retaining a degree of mobility), connects the head and limbs, offers muscle attachment sites and protects the spinal cord. In this chapter, we will explore how these functions have developed during evolution and have led to the very specific structure that is unique to the only habitual striding biped among mammals: man.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    Kristiaan D’Août PhD

Authors
  1. Kristiaan D’Août PhD
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Correspondence to Kristiaan D’Août PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Neurosurgery, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium

    Erik van de Kelft

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D’Août, K. (2016). Evolution of the Vertebral Column. In: van de Kelft, E. (eds) Surgery of the Spine and Spinal Cord. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27613-7_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27613-7_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-27611-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-27613-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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