The cervical spine consists of

seven vertebrae, which are the

smallest and uppermost in
location within the spinal
column. Together, the vertebrae
support the skull, move the spine,
and protect the spinal cord, a
bundle of nerves connected to the
brain.

The muscles of the lower back help

stabilize, rotate, flex, and extend
the spinal column, which is a bony
tower of 24 vertebrae that gives the
body structure and houses the spinal
cord. The spinal cord and its nerves
are the means by which the body and
brain communicate with one another.
Together, the brain and spinal cord
make up the central nervous system.

The spine in the upper back and

abdomen is known as the thoracic spine.
It is one of the three major sections of
the spinal column. The thoracic spine sits
between the cervical spine in the neck
and the lumbar spine in the lower back.

The main function of the

sacrum is to connect the spine to
the hip bones (iliac). There are
five sacral vertebrae, which are
fused together. Together with
the iliac bones, they form a ring
called the pelvic girdle.

The coccyx serves as an

attachment site for tendons,
ligaments, and muscles. It also
functions as an insertion point
of some of the muscles of the
pelvic floor. The coccyx also
functions to support and
stabilize a person while he or
she is in a sitting position.