The spine

5 segments of the vertebral column

The spinal column houses the spinal cord and is often referred to as the vertebral column. This vertebrae are classified in 5 segments as detailed below.

Cervical vertebrae

Seven vertebrae make up the cervical spine with eight pairs of cervical nerves (see the spinal cord). The individual cervical vertebrae are abbreviated C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7.

Thoracic vertebrae

The Thoracic spine is located in the chest area and contains 12 vertebrae. The ribs connect to the thoracic spine and protect many vital organs. Individual vertebrae are abbreviated to T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11 and T12.

Lumbar Vertebrae

These five bones are the largest vertebrae in the spinal column. These vertebrae support most of the body's weight and are attached to many of the back muscles. Individual vertebrae ate abbreviated to L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5,

Sacrum vertebrae

The sacrum is a triangular bone located just below the lumbar vertebrae. It consists of four or five sacral vertebrae in a child, which become fused into a single bone in adulthood.

Cocyx

The bottom of the spinal column is called the coccyx. This consists of 3-5 bones that are again fused in an adult.