What does the human spine look like?

What does the human spine look like?

The human spine is composed of "little bones" (vertebrae) and their connecting structures. In adults, the spine consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 1 sacrum, and 1 coccyx, arranged from top to bottom. In contrast, infants have 5 sacral vertebrae and 4 coccygeal vertebrae, which eventually fuse into 1 sacrum and 1 coccyx during subsequent growth and development.

When viewed from the front and back, an adult's spine appears as a straight, gradually widening structure from top to bottom, resembling a tapered tower at the tail end. However, in infants, the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are of equal width. This adaptation allows the spine to better bear the weight load as it develops. When observed from the side, the spine exhibits four physiological curves: cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and sacrococcygeal kyphosis. These natural curves aid in cushioning and stabilizing the spine, providing a vital foundation for various physical activities. If any of these curves encounter issues, the body may face risks such as pain and abnormal spinal function.