The weight of a spine varies depending on several factors, including the age, sex, and overall size of the individual, as well as the specific region of the spine being considered. While the total weight of an entire spine isn't directly provided, we can estimate and understand the weight based on vertebral segment weights.
Based on research where skeletons were weighed, the average weight per vertebra varies along the spine:
- Cervical vertebrae: Average weight is 6.3 grams per vertebra.
- Thoracic vertebrae: Average weight is 8.7 grams per vertebra.
- Lumbar vertebrae: Average weight is 17.9 grams per vertebra.
- Sacrum: Average weight is 10.6 grams per vertebra.
To get a rough idea of the total weight, you could consider the following:
- There are typically 7 cervical vertebrae.
- There are typically 12 thoracic vertebrae.
- There are typically 5 lumbar vertebrae.
- The sacrum is a single, fused structure.
Therefore, a very rough estimation (without considering individual variation or the weight of intervertebral discs, ligaments, or other associated tissues) would be:
(7 6.3g) + (12 8.7g) + (5 * 17.9g) + 10.6g = 44.1g + 104.4g + 89.5g + 10.6g = 248.6g
Please Note: This calculation provides only an extremely rough estimate and does not represent the actual weight of a complete spine. It only calculates based on vertebral bone weight. A complete spine contains additional bone mass in the sacrum and coccyx, as well as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscle. These calculations are based on the average weight per unit vertebra within each spinal region and do not reflect the total weight of any individual spine. The research also provides no overall measurements of an average entire spine's total weight.
Therefore, we can confidently state the average weights of vertebral segments within a spine.
| Vertebral Segment | Average Weight (grams) |
|---|---|
| Cervical | 6.3 |
| Thoracic | 8.7 |
| Lumbar | 17.9 |
| Sacrum | 10.6 |
