SpineThe spine (backbone) is composed of 33 interlocking bones called
vertebrae that are separated by soft, compressible discs and supported by many
different ligaments and muscles. It is divided into five segments: cervical
(neck), thoracic (upper and middle back), lumbar (lower back), sacrum (pelvis),
and coccyx (tailbone). In each segment, the vertebrae are numbered from top to
bottom. For example, a C3 is the third vertebra in the neck area, while a T6 is
the sixth vertebra in the thoracic area. The vertebrae in the spine normally form three curves. These curves allow
the spine to absorb shock as you move. ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Current as ofMarch 21, 2017 Current as of:
March 21, 2017 Author:
Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
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