The spine above the sacrum consists of:. The spinal column combines strong bones, unique joints, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles and highly sensitive nerves.
While many of us take the benefits of a healthy spine for granted, spinal pain is a sharp reminder of how much we depend on our back in daily life. Some causes of spinal pain include:. The spinal column is made up of many parts, all designed to help the back move flexibly, support body weight and protect the spinal cord and nerves.
These parts include the:. Skip to content. Anatomy of the Spine Not what you're looking for? Start New Search. The smaller branch called the posterior primary ramus turns posteriorly to supply the skin and muscles of the back of the body. The larger branch called the anterior primary ramus turns anteriorly to supply the skin and muscles of the front of the body and forms most of the major nerves.
The spinal nerves are numbered according to the vertebrae above which it exits the spinal canal. The 8 cervical spinal nerves are C1 through C8, the 12 thoracic spinal nerves are T1 through T12, the 5 lumbar spinal nerves are L1 through L5, and the 5 sacral spinal nerves are S1 through S5.
There is 1 coccygeal nerve. The spinal nerves innervate specific areas and form a striped pattern across the body called dermatomes Fig. Doctors use this pattern to diagnose the location of a spinal problem based on the area of pain or muscle weakness.
For example leg pain sciatica usually indicates a problem near the L4-S3 nerves. The spinal cord is covered with the same three membranes as the brain, called meninges. The inner membrane is the pia mater, which is intimately attached to the cord.
The next membrane is the arachnoid mater. The outer membrane is the tough dura mater Fig. Between these membranes are spaces used in diagnostic and treatment procedures. The space between the pia and arachnoid mater is the wide subarachnoid space, which surrounds the spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid CSF.
This space is most often accessed when performing a lumbar puncture to sample and test CSF or during a myelogram to inject contrast dye. The space between the dura mater and the bone is the epidural space. This space is most often accessed to deliver anesthetic numbing agents, commonly called an epidural, and to inject steroid medication see Epidural Steroid Injections. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your health care provider.
In recent decades medical scientists have made a quantum leap in their understanding of the human brain and spinal cord. Their discoveries have been fueled by advances in imaging technology and neurobiology. Whether they are studying new surgical techniques, participating in clinical trials, or quantifying outcomes, Mayfield clinician researchers are working every day to discover what works best for our patients. Learn more about our spine research at MayfieldFoundation.
To make an appointment call Make an Appointment. Anatomy of the Spine Overview The spine is made of 33 individual bones stacked one on top of the other. Spinal curves When viewed from the side, an adult spine has a natural S-shaped curve. Figure 1. The dark gray color in each segment represents "gray matter. Nerve cell bodies are located in the gray matter. Surrounding the gray matter is white matter lighter color shading - this is where the axons of the spinal cord are located.
Compare the relative amount of gray and white matter at each level of the spinal cord. In the cervical segment, there is a relatively large amount of white matter.
This pattern is caused by the many axons going up to the brain from all levels of the spinal cord AND there are many axons traveling from the brain down to different segments of the spinal cord. In lower segments of the spinal cord, there is less white matter because there are fewer axons traveling to and from the brain. There are also differences in the gray matter. In the cervical segment, the ventral horn the lower half of the segment is enlarged. Also in the lumbar segment that is illustrated, the ventral horn is large.
Spinal Curvature Scoliosis The spine is normally a straight line when viewed from the back. The thoracic spine has a kyphotic curve, which means that it curves outward. Parts of the Spine The spine is made of many parts that protect the spinal cord, facilitate movement and support the body.
Nervous System All of the above elements of the spinal column and vertebrae protect the spinal cord, which provides communication to the brain. Clark, III, M. Carter S. Harsh, M. Robert B. Poczatek, M. Joshua Y. Menendez, M. Matthew Erwood, M. Paul Clark, M. Carter Harsh St.
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