Anatomy of the Spine: Spinal Regions & Vertebrae

Vocabulary

backbone, cervical spine, coccyx, lumbar spine, normal curves, sacrum, spinal column, spine, thoracic spine, vertebrae, vertebral column

Vocabulary

1. BACKBONE – Another name for the spine
2. CERVICAL SPINE – Top region of the spine, labeled C1-C7
3. COCCYX – Three to five fused vertebrae with a tip that typically points straight down
4. LUMBAR SPINE – Low back region of the spine, labeled L1-L5
5. NORMAL CURVES – A term used by anatomists to underscore the importance of the four spinal curves
6. SACRUM – Five fused vertebrae that make up the base of the spine and the back of the pelvis
7. SPINAL COLUMN – Another name for the spine
8. SPINE – Made up of 33 specialized bones called vertebrae
9. SPINOUS PROCESSES – The bony projections from the vertebra that you can feel when you palpate your spine; they provide attachment points for muscles and ligaments
10. THORACIC SPINE – Middle region of the spine, labeled T1-T12
11. VERTEBRAE – Specialized bones that make up the spine
12. VERTEBRAL COLUMN –Another name for the spine

Overview of the Spine

The spine is also known as the spinal column, vertebral column or the backbone.

• The spinal column is made up of 33 specialized bones called vertebrae.
• Because the vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx eventually fuse, there are, in effect, 24 vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx.
• The spine has four “normal curves,” a term used by anatomists to underscore their importance.
• Spinal curves are affected by genetics and postural habits.