Spinal Column

The spinal column is, as the name suggests, a column that runs along the length of the spine. It is composed of four primary sections – cervical (neck), thoracic (middle back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (pelvis). When viewed from a posterior aspect, the spinal column appears to run in a straight line down the back. When viewed laterally, it becomes evident that the column actually curves in a convex and concave S-shaped pattern from the base of the skull to the pelvis. The role of the spinal column is to provide skeletal support and flexibility for the upper body and to protect the delicate components of the spinal cord and associated nerve roots.

Anatomical Components of the Spinal Column

The anatomy of the spinal column is a complex amalgam of bone, soft tissue, and membrane. The different parts include:

• Vertebrae – the 33 bones (seven cervical, 12 thoracic, five lumbar, and nine fused sacral/coccygeal) that serve as the primary infrastructure of the spine.
• Ligaments and tendons – connective tissues that link the vertebrae and allow for flexion and extension.
• Intervertebral discs – the sponge-like cushions between the vertebrae.
• Facet joints – the bony hinges where the vertebrae meet and articulate.
• Spinal cord – a tubular bundle of nerve tissue that serves as the main pathway for motor and sensory messages that travel to and from the brain.
• Nerve roots – the bundles of nerve fibers that exit the spinal cord in 31 pairs along the length of the spine.
• Meninges – the membranes that surround and support the components of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord).

Degenerative Conditions That Affect the Spinal Column

All of these anatomical components are subject to deterioration associated with the aging process. These include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and more. For information on how to combat these age-related degenerative spine conditions, contact Laser Spine Institute.