Vertebral column
(ver-TEE-brul KAH-lum) The bones called vertebrae, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone.
Function[edit | edit source]
The vertebral column encloses the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
Other names[edit | edit source]
Also called backbone, spinal column, and spine.
Vertebrae[edit | edit source]
The vertebrae (back bones) of the spine include the cervical spine (C1-C7), thoracic spine (T1-T12), lumbar spine (L1-L5), sacral spine (S1-S5), and the tailbone.
Intervertebral disc[edit | edit source]
Each vertebra is separated by a disc.
Spinal cord[edit | edit source]
The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is divided into segments, each containing a pair of spinal nerves that send messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Cauda equina[edit | edit source]
Many spinal nerves extend beyond the conus medullaris (the end of the spinal cord) to form a bundle of nerves called the cauda equina.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
