Skeleton Vertebra

Atlas Vertebra C1

The atlas is ring-shaped and does not have a body, unlike the rest of the vertebrae. Fused remnants of the atlas body have become part of C2, where they are called the odontoid process, or dens. The odontoid process is held in tight proximity to the posterior aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas by the transverse ligament, which stabilizes the atlantoaxial joint. The apical, alar, and transverse ligaments, by allowing spinal column rotation, provide further stabilization and prevent posterior displacement of the dens in relation to the atlas.

Cervical Disc C2

The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae. The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C1 and C2 form a unique set of articulations that provide a great degree of mobility for the skull. C1 serves as a ring or washer that the skull rests upon and articulates in a pivot joint with the dens or odontoid process of C2. Approximately 50% of flexion extension of the neck happens between the occiput and C1, 50% of the rotation of the neck happens between C1 and C2. The cervical spine is much more mobile than the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. Unlike the other parts of the spine, the cervical spine has transverse foramina in each vertebra for the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain. It functions to provide mobility and stability to the head while connecting it to the relatively immobile thoracic spine. The cervical spine may be divided into 2 parts: upper and lower.The upper cervical spine consists of the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These first 2 vertebrae are quite different from the rest of the cervical spine The atlas articulates superiorly with the occiput (the atlanto-occipital joint) and inferiorly with the axis (the atlantoaxial joint). The atlantoaxial joint is responsible for 50% of all cervical rotation; the atlanto-occipital joint is responsible for 50% of flexion and extension. The unique features of C2 anatomy and its articulations complicate assessment of its pathology. The atlas is ring-shaped and does not have a body, unlike the rest of the vertebrae. Fused remnants of the atlas body have become part of C2, where they are called the odontoid process, or dens. The odontoid process is held in tight proximity to the posterior aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas by the transverse ligament, which stabilizes the atlantoaxial joint. The apical, alar, and transverse ligaments, by allowing spinal column rotation, provide further stabilization and prevent posterior displacement of the dens in relation to the atlas. Axis (C2) The axis has a large vertebral body, which contains the odontoid process (dens). The odontoid process articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas via its anterior articular facet and is held in place by the transverse ligament. The axis is composed of a vertebral body, heavy pedicles, laminae, and transverse processes, which serve as attachment points for muscles. The axis articulates with the atlas via its superior articular facets, which are convex and face upward and outward. Source

Cervical Disc C3

The cervical spine is much more mobile than the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. Unlike the other parts of the spine, the cervical spine has transverse foramina in each vertebra for the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain. It functions to provide mobility and stability to the head while connecting it to the relatively immobile thoracic spine. The cervical spine may be divided into 2 parts: upper and lower. Cervical vertebrae C3 through C6 are known as typical vertebrae because they share the same basic characteristics with most of the vertebrae throughout the spine. The foramina are largest at C2-C3 and progressively decrease in size down to C6-C7. The facet joints in the cervical spine are innervated by both the anterior and posterior rami. The atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial joints are innervated by the anterior rami of the first and second cervical spinal nerves. The C2-C3 facet joint is innervated by 2 branches of the posterior ramus of the third cervical spinal nerve innervate, a communicating branch and a medial branch known as the third occipital nerve. Source

Cervical Disc C4

Cervical Disc C5

Cervical Disc C6

Cervical Disc C7

Thoracic Disc T1

T1 – T12 disc protrusion specifically refers to the deterioration of one or more of the spinal discs in the thoracic (middle) segment of the spine. the thoracic spinal segment is attached directly to the ribcage, keeping the 12 thoracic vertebrae relatively stable and stationary. The role of the thoracic spine is to provide support for the ribcage and protection for organs in the torso. This means that the thoracic vertebrae are strong — but not particularly flexible. As a result, injury and other disc disorders to the thoracic spine are infrequent. However, in the event that one of the discs in the thoracic spine does become bulged, herniated or otherwise damaged, then there is a risk for the compression of a nerve root exiting out of the T1 – T12 area. When disc material compresses one of these nerve roots or the spinal cord, a variety of disc protrusion symptoms can result, including: Chronic middle back pain or stiffness, Pain that travels to the chest and abdomen, Muscle weakness in the torso, Numbness and tingling. Source

Thoracic Disc T2

Thoracic Disc T3

Thoracic Disc T4

Thoracic Disc T5

Thoracic Disc T6

Thoracic Disc T7

Thoracic Disc T8

Thoracic Disc T9

Thoracic Disc T10

Thoracic Disc T11

Thoracic Disc T12

Lumbar Disc L1

“Lumbar” is derived from the Latin word “lumbus,” meaning lion, and the lumbar spine earns its name. It is built for both power and flexibility – lifting, twisting, and bending. Spinal discs play a crucial role in the lower back, serving as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, supporting the upper body, and allowing a wide range of movement in all directions. Lumbar herniated discs are a widespread medical problem, most often affecting people age 35 to 50. Source

Lumbar Disc L2

“Lumbar” is derived from the Latin word “lumbus,” meaning lion, and the lumbar spine earns its name. It is built for both power and flexibility – lifting, twisting, and bending. “Lumbar” is derived from the Latin word “lumbus,” meaning lion, and the lumbar spine earns its name. It is built for both power and flexibility – lifting, twisting, and bending. Spinal discs play a crucial role in the lower back, serving as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, supporting the upper body, and allowing a wide range of movement in all directions. Lumbar herniated discs are a widespread medical problem, most often affecting people age 35 to 50. Source

Lumbar Disc L3

Lumbar Disc L4

Lumbar Disc L5

Lumbar Vertebra L1

The lumbar spine refers to the lower back, where the spine curves inward toward the abdomen. It starts about five or six inches below the shoulder blades, and connects with the thoracic spine at the top and extends downward to the sacral spine. “Lumbar” is derived from the Latin word “lumbus,” meaning lion, and the lumbar spine earns its name. It is built for both power and flexibility – lifting, twisting, and bending. The lower the vertebra is in the spinal column, the more weight it must bear. The five vertebrae of the lumbar spine (L1-L5) are the biggest unfused vertebrae in the spinal column, enabling them to support the weight of the entire torso. Source

Lumbar Vertebra L2

Lumbar Vertebra L3

Lumbar Vertebra L4

Lumbar Vertebra L5

Axis Vertebra C2

The C2 vertebra, known as the axis vertebra or the epistropheus, is the second-uppermost of the vertebrae making up the backbone and of the seven (7) cervical vertebrae at the top of the spine. Its nickname, the axis vertebra, derives from its role in allowing the head to rotate from its support atop the C1 vertebra where the skull attaches to the neck. As with the C1, the C2 vertebra is different from the other true vertebrae or moveable vertebrae below them. The ventral body or centrum of the C2 is actually contiguous with the C1 vertebra, which lacks a separate ventral bodym, but it is this fusion in part that gives the C1-C2 joint a wide range of lateral motion (providing most of the lateral motion of the head and neck). This fusion gives the C2 vertebra a third name, the vertebra dentata, for the tooth-like odontoid process or dens-a protuberance that rises from the back of the centrum and fuses with the odontoid peg of the atlas vertebra. The vertebral foramen of the axis vertebra is large enough to protect the last of the brain stem yet slightly smaller than that of the C1, but two oblique transverse foramen likewise allow the passage of nerves, the vertebral artery, and the vertebral vein from the spinal cord out to the body. Source

Cervical Vertebra C3

The C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. Injuries to the nerves and tissue relating to the cervical region are the most severe of all spinal cord injuries because the higher up in the spine an injury occurs, the more damage that is caused to the central nervous system. Depending on the how severe the damage to the spinal cord is, the injury may be noted as complete or incomplete. The C2 – C3 junction of the spinal column is important, as this is where flexion and extension occur (flexion is the movement of the chin toward the chest and extension is the backward movement of the head). Patients with spinal cord damage at the C3 level will have limited mobility in both their flexion and extension.

Cervical Vertebra C4

The C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. Injuries to the nerves and tissue relating to the cervical region are the most severe of all spinal cord injuries because the higher up in the spine an injury occurs, the more damage that is caused to the central nervous system. Depending on the how severe the damage to the spinal cord is, the injury may be noted as complete or incomplete. The portion of the spinal cord which relates to the C4 vertebra directly affects the diaphragm. Patients with C4 spinal cord injuries typically need 24 hour-a-day support to breathe and maintain oxygen levels.

Cervical Vertebra C5: The C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine, near the base of the neck. Injuries to the nerves and tissue relating to the cervical region are the most severe of all spinal cord injuries because the higher up in the spine an injury occurs, the more damage that is caused to the central nervous system. Depending on the how severe the damage to the spinal cord is, the injury may be noted as complete or incomplete. Damage to the spinal cord at the C5 vertebra affects the vocal cords, biceps, and deltoid muscles in the upper arms. Unlike some of the higher cervical injuries, a patient with a C5 spinal cord injury will likely be able to breath and speak on their own.

Cervical Vertebra C6

The C6-C7 spinal segment—located towards the bottom of the cervical spine—helps provide the neck with structural support, some flexibility, and does its part to protect the spinal cord. Source

Cervical Vertebra C7

The C6-C7 spinal segment—located towards the bottom of the cervical spine—helps provide the neck with structural support, some flexibility, and does its part to protect the spinal cord. C7 nerve root branches off from the spinal cord and travels down the arm to enable: Straightening the elbow, lifting the wrist, elongating fingers to a stretched out position, Movement to the triceps muscle in the back of the upper arm, Sensation from the neck down to the palmside of the forearm and into the palm and middle finger of the hand. Source

Thoracic Vertebra C1

The 12 vertebrae in the middle region of the back are called the thoracic vertebrae, and they make up the thoracic spine. These 12 vertebrae span the space between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage, attaching directly to the rib cage for support and protection. Located in between the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back), the thoracic vertebrae are labeled T1 to T12. Larger than vertebrae in the neck, thoracic vertebrae increase in size as they go down the back because they are required to support more weight the farther down the body they’re located. The thoracic vertebrae also have extremely prominent spinous processes, which are the large, bony knobs that protrude from the vertebrae into the spinal canal. These processes are important for muscles and ligaments to attach to the spine. If you bend over and run your hand directly down the spine, you will be able to feel the spinous processes like bumps along your spine. Source