How is the spine structured?

The spine is made up of a total of 32 to 33 vertebrae which are connected via intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments and muscles. The vertebrae are divided up into seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, five sacral vertebrae and three to four caudal vertebrae.

The vertebrae form the so-called the vertebral canal which contains the spinal cord. As the connection between the brain and the nerves of the body this constitutes a highly sensitive structure.

In principle, all human vertebrae consist of two bony parts:

The compact vertebral body connects to the vertebral arch. As a result a cavity is created between the two structures. The cavity and all the vertebrae make up the vertebral canal, which contains the spinal cord. The spinal nerves emerge between two adjacent vertebral arches on either side. These lead to various regions of the body and organs and thus create a nerve connection to the brain.

The vertebral bodies are close to one another, only separated by the so-called intervertebral discs, which act as a buffer absorbing pressure and movements. In addition, the vertebrae are connected to one another via small joints on the vertebral arch, enabling stable contact.

On the vertebral arch there are several bony projections, the so-called transverse processes and spinous processes. These serve as points of attachment for the firm ligaments, which connect the vertebrae to one another, and for the powerful muscles, which cushion the spine and make it flexible.

As a whole, the spine forms an S-shaped flexible column: the structure ensures a high degree of support in order to stabilise the axis of the body and to support the head, trunk and arms when walking upright. On the other hand it provides maximum mobility in the region of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.