How many bones are in the spine

Where in the body is this bone found? What are the most important functions of the skeletal system? Why is the skeletal system referred to as an "organ" system, since it is not made up of organs?

Does the skeletal system produce substances? If so, what substances are they? Last Updated: Apr 29, All Rights Reserved. Innerbody Research does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, changes of spinal position can stress muscles and cause spinal deformity.

If the spine is injured and unable to function properly, it can be very painful or even disabling. The spine is made of many parts that protect the spinal cord, facilitate movement and support the body. The spinal cord has nerve pathways that carry signals, such as pain, from the arms, legs, and the body to the brain. Nerve roots are used to transmit information between the spinal cord and the other parts of the body, such as arms, legs and organs.

The flat plates of the lamina create the outer wall of the vertebral canal and help protect the spinal cord.

Discs separate the vertebrae. They are made of tough, elastic material that allows the spine to bend and twist naturally. The spinous process protrudes from the back of each vertebra. Muscles and ligaments that move and stabilize the vertebrae attach to the spinous processes. Two transverse processes stick out of the sides of each vertebra.

Muscles and ligaments that move and stabilize the vertebrae attach to the transverse processes. All of the above elements of the spinal column and vertebrae protect the spinal cord, which provides communication to the brain.

The spinal cord also transmits sensation and mobility in the body through interaction of ligaments, bones and muscle structures of the back and its surrounding nerves. The flexor muscles are in the front and include the abdominal muscles. These muscles enable us to flex, or bend forward, and are important in lifting and controlling the arch in the lower back. The back muscles stabilize your spine.

Something as common as poor muscle tone or a large belly can pull your entire body out of alignment. Misalignment puts incredible strain on the spine see Exercise for a Healthy Back.

Vertebrae are the 33 individual bones that interlock with each other to form the spinal column. The vertebrae are numbered and divided into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx Fig. Only the top 24 bones are moveable; the vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused. The vertebrae in each region have unique features that help them perform their main functions.

Cervical neck - the main function of the cervical spine is to support the weight of the head about 10 pounds. The seven cervical vertebrae are numbered C1 to C7. The neck has the greatest range of motion because of two specialized vertebrae that connect to the skull. The first vertebra C1 is the ring-shaped atlas that connects directly to the skull.

The second vertebra C2 is the peg-shaped axis, which has a projection called the odontoid, that the atlas pivots around. Thoracic mid back - the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited.

Lumbar low back - the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body. The five lumbar vertebrae are numbered L1 to L5. These vertebrae are much larger in size to absorb the stress of lifting and carrying heavy objects. Sacrum - the main function of the sacrum is to connect the spine to the hip bones iliac.

There are five sacral vertebrae, which are fused together. Together with the iliac bones, they form a ring called the pelvic girdle. Coccyx region - the four fused bones of the coccyx or tailbone provide attachment for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.

While vertebrae have unique regional features, every vertebra has three functional parts Fig. Each vertebra in your spine is separated and cushioned by an intervertebral disc, which keeps the bones from rubbing together. Discs are designed like a radial car tire. The outer ring, called the annulus, has crisscrossing fibrous bands, much like a tire tread.