Anatomy of a Normal Spine

The spinal column is a stack of bones (vertebrae) that are separated by soft pads of tissue (disks). Each of these bones has a canal that runs top to bottom. Together these canals form a tunnel called the spinal canal. Running through this canal are nerves. These nerves carry signals between the brain and body.

The spine has three natural curves: the cervical, the thoracic, and the lumbar.

The Parts of the Spine

• The vertebrae are the 24 bones that connect like puzzle pieces to make up the spine.

• The lamina of each vertebra forms the back of the spinal canal.

• A foramen is a small opening. This is where a nerve leaves the spinal canal.

• The transverse process is the wing of bone on either side of each vertebra.

• The spinous process is the part of each vertebra you can feel through your skin.

• A disk lies between each of the vertebrae.

Two vertebrae with a disk between them