Surrey Spine Group

The spinal column is the central element in the skeletal system. Not only is it the bony core of the body but it connects every other part of the skeletal system: the skull, thorax, arms, pelvis and legs are directly or indirectly connected. Our spinal column and its integral spinal cord also play a prominent role in the control and transmission of nerve impulses about our surrounding environment.
Structure of the Spinal Column
It consists of 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar-, 5 Sacrum- and 5 coccyx vertebrae.
Viewed from either the front or behind the spinal column appears straight, however, viewed from the side it shows its typical bowed shape. The spinal column is one third the length of the whole body. From head to tail it is divided into five sections: cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum and tail bone. Each of these sections is separated into single vertebrae connected by discs which act as flexible shock absorbers. Additionally, muscles and ligaments hold the spinal column together. It is through this structure that the spinal column achieves its flexibility.

1. Posterior View
2. Lateral View
3. Front View
A. Cervical Vertebrae
B. Thoracic Vertebrae
C. Lumbar Vertebrae