Spinal rotation can occur around which axis?

Spinal rotation primarily occurs around the longitudinal axis, which corresponds to the axis that runs vertically through the body from the top of the head down to the feet. This allows the spinal column to perform rotational movements, resulting in the torso being able to twist to the left or right.

The motion involves the rotation of vertebrae around this axis, which is particularly evident in the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine. In anatomical terms, this movement is crucial for activities such as looking over the shoulder or twisting to reach for something behind you, showcasing the importance of the spine's ability to rotate around this specific axis for functional movement and flexibility.

Understanding the axes of movement is critical in biomechanics, particularly in assessing and designing rehabilitation exercises or understanding movement disorders. The other axes mentioned, such as the X and Y axes, are typically associated with lateral bending (side bending) and flexion/extension, respectively, but do not encompass rotation in the same way as the longitudinal axis does.