The regions of the spine consist of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. The neck region of the spine is known as the Cervical Spine. This region consists of seven vertebrae, which are abbreviated C1 through C7 (top to bottom). These vertebrae protect the brain stem and the spinal cord, support the skull and allow for a wide range of head movements.

Beneath the last cervical vertebra is the 12 vertebrae of the Thoracic Spine. These are abbreviated T1 through T12 (top to bottom). T1 is the smallest and T12 is the largest thoracic vertebra. The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical bones and have longer spinous processes.

The Lumbar Spine has 5 vertebrae abbreviated L1 through L5 (largest). The size and the shape of each lumbar vertebra are designed to carry most of the body’s weight. Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions.

The Sacrum (the sacral spine) is located behind the pelvis. Five bones, abbreviated S1 through S5, fused into a triangular shape, form the sacrum. The sacrum fits between the two hip bones connecting the spine to the pelvis. The last lumbar vertebra (L5) articulates (moves) with the sacrum.

Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones, fused together to form the Coccyx (tailbone).

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