The vertebrae are composed of many elements that are critical to the overall function of the spine, which include the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Get an expert-written spinal anatomy lesson by reading this article.
The thoracic spine is located in the chest area and contains 12 vertebrae. The ribs connect to the thoracic vertebrae and serve to protect many vital organs. The thoracic region is also known as your mid-back or your upper back.
Spinal curves are either kyphotic or lordotic. In a normal spine there are four types of spinal curvatures important to balance, flexibility, and stress absorption and distribution.
Learn more about your spinal nerves and your body's nervous systems. Article explains spinal nerve and spinal cord basics and includes illustrations of spinal anatomy.
A joint is where 2 or more bones are joined. Joints allow motion (articulation). The joints in the spine are commonly called facet joints, and you can learn about the anatomy of spinal joints in this article.
To understand lumbar spine surgery, it is important to know about low back anatomy and spinal structures affected by degenerative conditions that may cause back and leg pain.
