Thta form of t.he vertebral column is definitely related to its function as a supporting rod, :i hme for attarhment of body and limb muscles, and a protection of the spinal cord and nerves. Priniitivdy composed of a series of simple undifferentiated blocks, it progressively beconies ctrrnplioat,ed through development of articular processes giving added strength and greater mobility. Simultaneously, the c,entrum and the neural arch become adapted to withstand tension and compression stresses which r m y with the movements possible in different regions of the column. These movements a r e partially determined by t.he plane of the zygapophyws and the nature of the intercentral articulation, together with the action of the axial muscles and ligaments.

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