The Spine:
Composed of 33 vertebrae, the spine consists of 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral and 4 fused coccygeal vertebrae. The width of the vertebral bodies generally increases craniocaudally, except at T1-T3. The normal curve of spine includes:
1. Cervical lordosis (20-400)
2. Thoracic kyphosis (20-400),
3. Lumbar lordosis (30-500) and
4. Sacral kyphosis (not more than 400).
ANATOMICAL PLANES:
Coronal or frontal plane:
It is a vertical imaginary line which divides the vertebral bodies into the front and back sections. The coronal plane of the spine delineates the scoliosis of spine.
The sagittal or Median plane:
It is a vertical imaginary line that divides the vertebral body into right and left sections. The sagittal view of the spine is seen on the
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The transverse process is large and anterior tubercle is absent.
Foramen transversarium is relatively small or absent.
Structure of typical vertebra (C3 to C7):
They have similar anatomical findings. The anterior components of the typical cervical vertebra are:
I. The body: It is small and is the major supportive portion of the vertebra. It is wider from side to side and narrow antero-posteriorly. Its superior surface is concave transversely and on each side upward projecting lip (uncus). The inferior surface is convex from side to side and concave before backward. It articulates with vertebral bodies above and below.
II. Uncus or posterolateral lip
III. Pedicle:
Two short processes arise from the sides of the vertebral body which connect the lamina to the vertebral body.
IV. Transverse process:
It is a laterally projected extension from the vertebral body at the point where the pedicles meet the lamina.
V. Foramen of transverse process: It is an opening in the transverse process which acts as a passage for the vertebral artery and