convexity towards the back of the spine). A kyphotic curve is a convex curve in the spine (i.e.Curves are described as being either kyphotic or lordotic. Viewed from the side, a spine has four distinct curves. Viewed from the front, a healthy spine is straight up and down. The transverse plane divides the body at the waist (top and bottom halves of the body). The median plane divides the left and right sides of the entire body. The frontal plane divides the front and back halves of the entire body. A body plane is an imaginary flat, two-dimensional surface that defines a particular area of anatomy. To spatially describe spinal anatomy, spine specialists use terms to define body planes. The Skull and PelvisДЄlthough not typically viewed as part of the spine, the skull and pelvis inter-relate with the spinal column and impact balance. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones, fused together to form the Coccyx (tailbone). The last lumbar vertebra (L5) articulates (moves) with the sacrum. The sacrum fits between the two hip bones connecting the spine to the pelvis. Five bones, abbreviated S1-S5, fused into a triangular shape, form the sacrum. Lumbar facet joints enable significant flexion and extension movement, but limits rotation. This region allows more range of motion than the thoracic spine, but less than the cervical. The lumbar vertebrae are the largest and carry most of the bodyвЂ™s weight. The Lumbar Spine consists of 5 vertebrae abbreviated L1-L5. The rib cage and ligaments limit range of motion and protect many vital organs. Rib attachments add to strength and stability the thoracic spine. The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical bones and have longer spinous processes. T1 is the smallest and T12 is the largest thoracic. Thoracic SpineД«eneath the last cervical vertebra are 12 Thoracic vertebrae abbreviated T1-T12 (top to bottom). The other cervical vertebrae (C3-C7) are shaped like boxes with small spinous processes (finger-like projections) that extend from the back of the vertebrae. Together, the Atlas and Axis enable the head to rotate and turn. It is circular in shape with a blunt tooth-like structure (called the Odontoid Process or dens) that projects upward into the Atlas. The Atlas is ring-shaped and supports the skull.

The first cervical vertebra (C1) is called the Atlas. These vertebrae protect the brain stem and the spinal cord, support the skull, and allow for a wide range of head movement. This region consists of seven vertebrae, which are abbreviated C1 through C7 (top to bottom). The regions of the spine consist of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture.Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the bodyвЂ™s internal organs.The three main functions of the spine are to: This information provides a straightforward overview of the spineвЂ™s remarkable and complex anatomy. Home > Education > Anatomy > Overview of the Spine Understanding Spinal Anatomy: Overview of the SpineДЄ basic understanding of the spineвЂ™s anatomy and its functions is extremely important to patients with spinal disorders.

Spine muscles