Vertebral Column

This past week I spent a lot of time focusing on the spinal section of the human body. During class I spent a considerate amount of time drawing the shape of the spine. These were short gesture drawings that were no longer then a minute.  We also did some longer drawings, but still only focused on the shape of the spine.  One component of gesture drawings that I need to work on is economy, otherwise known as the deletion of all unnecessary parts.  I’ve learned that the spine is unique and far more complex then I previous believed.  In a typical standing position the spine is far from straight, but rather a rolling s-shaped curve. The shape of the spine is crucial for an accurate depiction of a human body.  It is the starting point for all life drawings because it leads the rest of the body.  The vertebral column is typically made up of 34 vertebras that are held together by connective tissue.  These separate components allow movement and flexibility.  The spinal cord consists of four main curves. The cervical is the first curve and this occurs the neck region. The second curve is known as the thoracic and this follows the rib cage. The third curve is the lumbar and this is located in the lower proportion of the back.  The last main curve is called the sacrum, and this occurs in lowest portion of the back.  Besides learning about the vertebral column, I also spent some time learning about connective tissue.  The first kind of connective tissue is tendons and these attach muscles to bones. These work in a way that allows or continues motion. The other kind of connective tissue is ligaments and this is bone-to-bone attachment that limits motion.  Overall the human spine is vastly complex and unique in the way that it allows movement.