
09/09/2025
⚫Here are 10 amazing facts about your backbone:
⬛Humans Share a Trait with Giraffes
Believe it or not, humans have the same number of cervical vertebrae as giraffes—seven. The difference lies in the size of each vertebra, not the count!
⬛Home to Millions of Neurons
Your spinal cord is a hub of communication. It contains around 13.5 million neurons, transmitting messages between your brain and the rest of your body in fractions of a second.
⬛A Network of Joints
The spine is incredibly complex, comprised of over 100 joints that allow for flexibility, bending, and twisting.
⬛Powered by Muscles
Supporting all this movement requires strength. The spine is connected to more than 120 muscles that help stabilize and mobilize your body.
⬛Lightweight Yet Vital
On average, your spinal cord weighs just 35 grams—less than a chocolate bar! Despite its light weight, it’s one of the most critical structures in your body.
⬛Flexible Like a Circle
Your spine is more flexible than you might think. If bent, it could form about two-thirds of a circle, allowing a wide range of motion.
⬛Cartilage Cushioning
Cartilage accounts for about one-fourth of your spine’s length, acting as a shock absorber and providing cushioning between the vertebrae.
⬛Supported by Ligaments
The spine is reinforced by about 220 ligaments, which help maintain stability and alignment.
⬛The First Vertebra Has a Special Name
The very first vertebra in your neck is called the atlas—named after the Greek Titan who held up the sky—because it supports your skull.
⬛Built to Withstand Pressure
Your spine is incredibly strong. It can endure hundreds of kilograms of pressure, making it both flexible and durable.