The Axis (C2) Odontoid Process (Dens) Body Transverse Process Inferior Articular Facet Superior Articular Facet Anterior View Posterior View Lateral Mass Spinous Process The Atlas (C1) Transverse Process Transverse Foramen Anterior Tubercle Articular Facet for Dens Lateral Mass Lamina Posterior Tubercle Superior Articular Facet Superior View

Vertebral Structures Pedicle notches Slight Notch Deep Notch Intervertebral Foramen INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMEN through which the spinal nerve roots leave the spinal cord Īnterior Arch Comprised of: Vertebral body Anterior 1/3 of the pedicles Vertebral Arches Posterior Arch Comprised of: Posterior 2/3 of the pedicles Lamina Processes Vertebral Structures Superior Articular Process Inferior Articular Process Zygapophyseal Joint (Facet Joint) Pars Vertebral Structures Vertebral Body Pedicle Lamina Superior Articular Process Spinous Process Transverse Process Vertebral Foramen There are two types of bone tissue: Cortical bone : dense, outer shell of the vertebra Types of Bone Tissue Detail of Cortical Bone Haversian System Detail of Cancellous Bone Cancellous bone : inner, spongy bone Line of gravity Regions of the Spine Auricle of the ear Odontoid Body of C7 Anterior to thoracic spine Posterior to 元 Mid femoral headsīasic Vertebral Structures Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Sagittal Plane Curves Cervical Lordosis 20°- 40° Sacral Kyphosis Lumbar Lordosis 30°- 50° Thoracic Kyphosis 20°- 40°Ĭervical Upper cervical: C1-C2 Lower cervical: C3-C7 Regions of the Spine Sacrococcygeal : 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and coccyx. Sagittal Plane Curves Primary Curves Secondary Curves The FUNCTIONAL UNIT of the spine The Motion Segment Composed of: Connecting ligaments Two adjacent vertebrae The intervertebral disc Two facet joints and capsules To achieve these functions, the spine must have: Resistance to axial loading forces, accomplished by: Kyphotic and lordotic sagittal plane curves Increased mass of each vertebra from C1 to the sacrum Elasticity accomplished by: Alternating lordotic and kyphotic curves Multiple MOTION SEGMENTS Functions of the Spine This reduces the amount of work required by the spinal muscles and can eliminate muscle fatigue and back pain. The upper body weight is then distributed to the lower extremities through the sacrum and pelvis. Structural support and balance for upright posture The spine is the axle bearing the load of the head, shoulders and thorax. Protection of spinal cord and nerve roots Functions of the Spine internal organs įlexibility of motion in six degrees of freedom Functions of the Spine Left and Right Side Bending Flexion and Extension Left and Right Rotation To best view the axial plane of the spine, surgeons will often obtain a CT scan with axial cuts. The AXIAL or TRANSVERSE PLANE is a horizontal cut that divides the body into upper and lower sections. The sagittal view is seen by surgeons on a lateral x-ray of the spine.Īnatomical Planes CT Scan of a thoracic vertebra in the axial plane. The SAGITTAL or MEDIAN PLANE is a vertical cut that divides the body into left and right sections.

Physicians look at the coronal plane when they view an A-P (anterior-posterior) x-ray of the spine to evaluate scoliosis.Īnatomical Planes Lateral X-ray of a kyphotic spine in the sagittal plane. The CORONAL PLANE, also called the FRONTAL PLANE, is a vertical cut that divides the body into front and back sections. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v3.i9.ANATOMY OF SPINE Dr Pankaj N Surange MBBS, MD, FIPP Interventional Pain and Spine specialistĪnatomical Planes A-P X-ray of a scoliotic spine in the coronal plane.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in spinal surgery. Adult central nervous system tumors PDQ-patient version. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Guillain-Barré syndrome fact sheet.Īmerican Association of Neurological Surgeons. Proximal nerve lesions in early Guillain–Barré syndrome: implications for pathogenesis and disease classification. Shingles (herpes zoster): Clinical overview.īerciano J, Sedano MJ, Pelayo-Negro AL, et al. doi:10.1111/jmwh.12597Ĭenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Herniated disc.īack pain during pregnancy. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.Īmerican Association of Neurological Surgeons. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing Jan 2022. Intraspinal intradural variations of nerve roots. Matejčík V, Haviarová Z, Šteňo A, Kuruc R, Šteňo J.

Spine anatomy