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Vertebra

An individual bone within the spinal column is called a vertebra. There are 33 vertebrae within the spine, connected by tendons, muscles, and ligaments and separated by cartilaginous cushions called intervertebral discs. Together, the vertebrae form a flexible foundation to support the body and protect the spinal cord and its system of branching nerve roots.

Vertebral Regions

Each vertebra is named based on its location within one of the five spinal regions – the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper and middle back), lumbar (lower back), sacral (pelvis) and coccygeal (tailbone). There are seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), 12 thoracic (T1-T12), five lumbar (L1-L5), five fused sacral (S1-S5) and four small vertebrae in the coccyx.

Anatomical Components

While each region plays a distinct role, the anatomical components of the individual vertebrae remain fairly consistent from top to bottom. With a few exceptions, each vertebra consists of:

• Vertebral body – the main, load-bearing portion of the spinal vertebra (only the C1, or atlas, has no vertebral body)
• Pedicles – bony projections that connect the vertebral body to the back of the spine
• Lamina – bony segments that serve as the “roof” of the spinal canal
• Spinous process – the piece of bone that projects off the rear of the vertebra and can be felt along the middle of the back
• Articular processes – bony projections where the vertebrae connect
• Facet joints – the joints formed where the articular processes meet
• Transverse processes – bony projections that serve as points of attachment for muscles and ligaments

Spinal Conditions and Pain Management

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The proximity of the anatomical components of a vertebra to the nerve roots can lead to back or neck pain when the vertebrae are affected by spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) specializes in relieving the nerve compression associated with these and other spinal conditions, using gentle, endoscopic techniques to perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures. Contact LSI to learn more or for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.