Click and hold the mouse button over a vertebra to see which organs are served by the nerves that pass through the small opening at each spinal joint.

The vertebral column, spinal cord, and nervous system have specific and important functions.

The vertebral column serves five main functions:

• Protects the spinal cord
• Provides balance and stability for the body
• Offers attachment points for the ribs, pelvic bones, and many muscles
• Allows for flexibility and mobility
• Supports the structure and weight of the body in various activities

The spinal cord is housed in and protected by the vertebral column. The spinal cord performs two main functions:

• Connects the peripheral nervous system to the brain
• Coordinates simple reflexes, such as sending a signal to pull your hand away from a hot object

The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves used for communication to and from the brain, spinal cord, and all other parts of the body, including the internal organs, muscles, skin, and blood vessels. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves along the spinal cord that carry signals from the body to the brain.