Spine Anatomy Video Library

There are 6 intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. They enable the highly mobile spine to move in all directions while supporting the neck and head.

Neck muscles work together with tendons and ligaments to support and move the neck and head. Tendons are connective tissue that attach muscle to bone, whereas ligaments attach bones to other bones.

There are 8 pairs of spinal nerves in the cervical spine, labeled C1 to C8. These nerves play important roles in sending messages to and from the spinal cord.

One of the cervical spine’s important roles is to protect the spinal cord as nerve cells communicate with each other throughout the body.

The cervical region of the spine (neck) consists of seven vertebrae. Learn how the spinal discs function and how various conditions can cause neck pain and/or radiating pain.

The upper cervical vertebrae are smaller and more mobile, while the lower ones are bigger to handle heavier loads from the neck and head.

Learn how the lumbar spinal discs function and how lower back conditions can cause back pain and/or radiating pain.

The C1 C2 spinal motion segment provides rotational motion, supports the head, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.

The C2-through-C5 spinal motion segments are located in the middle portion of the cervical spine. They include 3 separate spinal segments: C2 C3, C3 C4, and C5.

The C5 C6 spinal motion segment is located in the lower portion of the cervical spine. This segment helps provide neck flexibility, supports the upper cervical spine and head, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.

The C6 C7 spinal motion segment helps provide neck flexibility, supports the cervical spine and head, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.

The C7 T1 spinal motion segment provides minimal flexibility, supports the neck and head above, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.

See illustrations of spinal anatomy and learn about components of the spine to help you better understand various sources of back pain and other back problems.