Basic Anatomy of the Spine

The Spine is a flexible column of bone also known as the backbone. The individual bones forming the spinal column are called vertebrae. The spinal column is made up of 24 individual vertebra, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.

spine

Intervertebral discs or simply discs, are natures shock absorbers that cushion the space in between individual vertebra. They are made of water, collagen, and proteoglycans.

The spinal cord is the nerve tissue that serves as a pathway for messages between the brain and the body. The spinal cord also is responsible for carrying out many of the body�s reflex actions, completely independent of the brain.

The Cauda Equina is the bundle of spinal nerves which continues through the lumbar vertebrae at the end of the spinal cord.

Facet Joints provide intervertebral links. These synovial joints join the individual spinal bones to the vertebrae above and below.

Nerve Roots are the neurological tissues which branch off the spinal cord, forming the network of nerves throughout the body.

Spinal Nerves serve the neurological requirements of the entire body.

Back Muscles help to support and stabilize the spinal structures.

The Cervical area (the neck) is the first 7 vertebrae in the spinal column.

The Thoracic area ( mid back) is the 12 vertebrae between the cervical and lumbar areas.

The Lumbar area ( lower back) is the final 5 vertebrae in between the thoracic area and the sacrum.

The Sacrum is 5 fused vertebrae in between the lumbar area and the coccyx.

The Coccyx (tailbone) is 4 fused vertebrae in the lowest area of the spinal column.

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Spine to Back Pain, Sciatica and Herniated Discs Home page 5/13/06 Revised 4/2/08