The lowest part of the spine is called the lumbar spine. There is also less space inside the spinal canal. Rib connections and smaller discs in the thoracic spine limit the amount of spinal movement in the mid back compared to the lumbar or cervical parts of the spine. This part of the spine has very narrow, thin intervertebral discs. The thoracic spine's curve is kyphotic, a "C"-shaped curve with the opening of the "C" in the front. These vertebrae connect to your ribs and form part of the back wall of the thorax (the ribcage area between the neck and the diaphragm). The thoracic spine is made up of the middle 12 vertebrae. Sudden, strong head movements can cause damage. This is a lot of weight for a small, thin set of bones and soft tissues to bear. This high risk of harm is due to the limited muscle support that exists in the cervical area, and the fact that this part of the spine has to support the weight of the head-an average of 15 pounds. The cervical spine is very flexible, but it is also very much at risk for injury from strong, sudden movements, such as whiplash-type injuries. It is this special arrangement that allows the head to turn from side to side as far as it can. Special ligaments between the atlas and the axis allow for a great deal of rotation. The axis has a bony knob called the odontoid process, which sticks up through the hole in the atlas. The atlas sits on top of the second cervical vertebra, the axis. The atlas does not have a vertebral body, but it does have a thick forward (anterior) arch and a thin back (posterior) arch with two prominent sideways masses. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra-the one that sits between the skull and the rest of the spine. These two vertebrae are the reason your neck can move in so many directions. Two vertebrae in the cervical spine, the atlas and the axis, differ from the other vertebrae because they are designed specifically for rotation. The arteries that run through these openings bring blood to the brain. Unlike the rest of the spine, there are special openings in each vertebra in the cervical spine for arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart). Think about all the directions and angles you can turn your neck. The cervical spine is much more mobile than both of the other spinal regions. The cervical spine has a lordotic curve, a backward "C"-shape-just like the lumbar spine. It starts just below the skull and ends just above the thoracic spine. The cervical spine is made up of the first seven vertebrae in the spine. Even though the lower portion of your spine holds most of the body's weight, each segment relies upon the strength of the others to function properly. The cervical spine curves slightly inward, the thoracic slightly outward, and the lumbar slightly inward. The "S" curve helps a healthy spine withstand all kinds of stress. This allows for an even distribution of weight. The normal spine has an "S"-like curve when looking at it from the side. However some people have a sixth lumbar vertebra. The lower portion of the spine, called the lumbar spine, is usually made up of five vertebrae. The mid back, called the thoracic spine, consists of 12 vertebrae. The first seven vertebrae form the cervical spine. The spinal column has three main sections-the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine.
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![spine vertebrae spine vertebrae](https://topspinesurgeonnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Spinal-Cord-Injury-surgery-768x768.jpg)
The many muscles that connect to the spine help support the upright posture of the spine and move the spine. The spinal column holds and protects the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that sends signals to other parts of the body. The spinal column gives the body form and function. Ligaments and muscles connect these bones together to form the spinal column. The spine is made up of 24 bones, called vertebrae. what important structures make up the spine.what differentiates the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal segments.Keeping your spine healthy is vital if you want to live an active life. Without a spinal cord you could not move any part of your body, and your organs could not function. The spinal cord is a column of nerves that connects your brain to the rest of your body, allowing you to control your movements.
![spine vertebrae spine vertebrae](https://biologydictionary.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Lumbar-Vertebrae.jpg)
The spine is also designed to protect your spinal cord. It allows you to move about freely and to bend with flexibility. Without it you could not stand up or keep yourself upright. It gives your body structure and support.
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Your spine is one of the most important parts of your body.