The spine, also known as the vertebral column, is divided into five distinct regions. These regions are based on the spine's curvature and the morphology of the vertebrae in each section. According to the provided reference, these regions are:
The Five Regions of the Spine
The spine is a segmental structure comprised of 33 bones and associated soft tissues. It's crucial for support, movement, and protecting the spinal cord. Here's a breakdown of the five regions:
- Cervical: This is the neck region of the spine.
- Thoracic: This section corresponds to the upper back and connects to the ribs.
- Lumbar: Located in the lower back, the lumbar spine bears a significant amount of weight.
- Sacral: This region is located at the base of the spine and connects to the pelvis.
- Coccygeal: This is the tailbone, the very end of the spine.
| Region | Description |
|---|---|
| Cervical | Neck region of the spine. |
| Thoracic | Upper back, connected to the ribs. |
| Lumbar | Lower back, bears significant weight. |
| Sacral | Base of the spine, connects to the pelvis. |
| Coccygeal | The tailbone, the end of the spine. |
Understanding these regions is essential for diagnosing and treating spinal conditions.
