Spinal Anatomy

Overview:

​The spinal column is one of the most important parts of the body, as it makes many different functions possible, including movement and balance. The spinal column also allows for upright posture, protection of the spinal cord and shock absorption.
 
The spinal column and vertebrae are made of different elements, all of which protect the spinal cord while communicating with the brain. These elements also provide sensations through the body via a complex interaction of the bones, ligaments and muscle structures of the back and the nerves that surround it.

Sections:

​The spine is composed of 33 bones, called vertebrae, divided into five sections: the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine sections, and the sacrum and coccyx bones.
 
The cervical section of the spine is made up of the top seven vertebrae in the spine, C1 - C7, and is connected to the base of the skull. The top two vertebrae are also known as the atlas and axis, which form the joint for connecting the skull to the spine. The cervical section is responsible for mobility and normal functioning of the neck, as well as protection of the spinal cord, arteries and nerves that travel from the brain to the body.
 
The thoracic section of the spine is located at chest level, between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. The vertebrae in this section are labeled T1 - T12 and serve as attachments for the rib cage.
 
The lumbar section is located between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum. The five lumbar vertebrae, labeled L1 - L5, are the main weight-bearing section of the spinal column.
 
The sacrum is the section located at the base of the spine. It does not have discs separating the vertebrae, because its five levels, S1 - S5, are fused together. The pelvis is connected to the spinal column at the sacrum section.
 
The coccyx is at the very base of the spinal column and is made of four vertebrae that are fused together.