The Spine - Definitions
(Refer to this
Spine Diagram)
Spine - the part of the skeleton which extends
from the base of the skull to the pelvis and acts as the main support
of the body and protects the spinal cord. It is composed of alternating
vertebrae and intervertebral discs, and is divided into five areas:
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and the coccyx.
Cervical spine - the "neck"- comprised of seven cervical vertebrae.
Thoracic spine - the area of the spine which supports the rib
cage. there are 12 thoracic vertebrae.
Lumbar spine - the lower back. there are 5 lumbar vertebrae.
Sacrum - the area of the spine which connects the spine to the
pelvis. It is comprised of 5 vertebrae which are fused together.
Coccyx - the "tail bone". A small bone connected to the sacrum
made up of four fused rudimentary vertebrae.
Vertebrae - the boney segments of the spine.
Intervertebral disc - the softer tissue of the spine found between
the vertebrae which acts as a shock absorber. It is made up of a gelatinous
center (nucleus) surrounded by a tough fibrous outer ring (annulus).
Often referred to simply as a "disc". |
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Spinal cord - nerve tissue which extends from the brain and
is protected by the spine. It carries information between the body
and the brain via the nerve roots.
Nerve root - the main nerve branch off the spinal cord, leaving
the spine through openings between the vertebrae at the level of
the disc.
Facet joint - paired joints which attach the rear section of
one vertebrae to those above and below.
Sacroiliac joint - where the sacral spine attaches to the pelvis.
Tendon - tough fibrous tissue which attaches muscle to bone.
Ligament - tough fibrous tissue which attaches bone to bone
which provides joint stability.
More Patient Education Topics: Spine Animations | Causes of Back Pain | Detailed Images | Web Links
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