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The Spine consists of the 33 vertebra, classified into five groups: cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum, and coccyx.
![]() Protruding from the back of each block-like vertebral body is an arch of bone that helps to form the large, vertical spinal canal, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve bundles. A fluid-filled protective membrane, the dura, covers the contents of the spinal canal from where the cord begins at the base of the brain to where it ends (in a bundle of nerve fibers known as the cauda equina). A pair of spinal nerves branches at each vertebral level (one to the left and one to the right), providing sensation and movement to all parts of the body. Three large bone processes arise from the vertebrae's arch-one to each side (transverse) and one straight toward the back of the body (spinous). Strong ligaments and muscles attached to the vertebrae both support the spine, further protect the delicate spinal cord and nerves inside, and allow for a remarkable degree of motion. |
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Last modified: March 7th, 2011 |