DHaze27
DHaze27 t1_j2905l8 wrote
Reply to comment by prustage in ELI5 How do animals that swim/fly in complex formations do it? by TheBaddestPatsy
Agreed. One of the common theories is that large migratory birds (geese, swan, etc) fly in formation for the aerodynamic advantage...drafting like cars in a race. The leader will also "rotate" through to allow individual birds to rest. They're able to fly in the correct direction because birds are sensitive to the earth's magnetic fields
DHaze27 t1_j29blwr wrote
Reply to ELI5: If I "break my back" due to over-flexion (as opposed to sheer impact), what's actually happening? Given the vertebrae are connected by soft tissue, shouldn't that tear before any bones do? by Potatopolis
The most common types of fractures (IE Breaking Your Back) are spinous-process fractures and compression fractures.
The spinous process is the little "dinosaur bone" that sticks straight out the back. There are numerous muscle groups, ligaments, and tendons that "tie" these together and when you go into full flexion, they pull on each other. With enough force, the tip of the spinous process can snap off.
Compression fractures happen when the vertebral body (the big round part) is literally compressed. The disc will not rupture because it's literally designed to absorb and distribute compressive forces.
You just have to remember that, generally speaking, the way the spine fractures is very different than a long-bone.