Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.
Anatomy of a Normal Spine
The spinal column is a stack of bones (vertebrae) that are separated by soft pads of tissue (disks). Each of these bones has a canal that runs top to bottom. Together these canals form a tunnel called the spinal canal. Running through this canal are nerves. These nerves carry signals between the brain and body.
The spine has three natural curves: the
cervical, the thoracic, and the lumbar.
The Parts of the Spine
The vertebrae are the 24 bones that connect like puzzle pieces to make up the spine.
The lamina of each vertebra forms the back of the spinal canal.
A foramen is a small opening. This is where a nerve leaves the spinal canal.
The transverse process is the wing of bone on either side of each vertebra.
The spinous process is the part of each vertebra you can feel through your skin.
A disk lies between each of the vertebrae.
Two vertebrae with a disk between them