Movement between adjacent vertebrae occurs at these 

synovial joints.

Intervertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebral bodies (C2-S1) and provide additional stability and shock absorption. The articulation formed by these discs permit a limited amount of movement (symphysis) between adjacent vertebrae, but the combined movement of the discs in within the vertebral column 

increases the flexibility of the spine for movement.

The annulus is a ring of concentric lamellae of 

fibrocartilage which surrounds and contains the spread of the softer nuclear core of an intervertebral disc. “Think of a jelly donut”. the annulus is the ring, not the soft jelly center.

Damage to the annulus may 

allow the softer nucleus to bulge (herniate) or rupture resulting in possible compression of nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord. The symptoms of a “slipped disc” will depend on the level at which the 

herniation or rupture occurs.

each spinal segment has its own characteristics which limit certain movements. other limitations include

1.  the thickness/elasticity of the intervertebral disc

2.  tension of the facet joint capsules

3.  length of musculotendinous units

4.  bulk of surrounding soft tissue

5.  resistance of surrounding ligaments

Midline connection of spinous processes 

from C7 to the sacrum. 

From C7 to base of skull the supraspinous ligament is 

thickened and structurally distinct (ligamentum nuchae). Certain muscles of the back (ex: trapezius, splenius) have an attachment site on ligamentum nuchae

Bilateral (strong) connection of adjacent 

lamina. Limits vertebral flexion. Elastic CT component assists in extension back to anatomical position (from a flexed posture)

Bilateral (weak) connection of adjacent 

spinous processes by passing between adjacent spinous processes thus filling in the gap between the supraspinous ligment and ligamentum flava.

1.Bodies are small and kidney shaped. The concave superior surfaces of the (C3-C6) bodies 

are significant for uncinate processes. Uncovertebral “joints” (of Luska) are frequent sites of bone spur (osteophyte) formation. 

2.  Vertebral foramina are large and triangular. 

3.  Facets slope inferiorly fromanterior to posterior, facilitating flexion/extension.

4.  Transverse processes are significant for foramina 

transversaria (C7 small or absent). 

5.  C3-C5 have bifed spinous processes. C6 and C7 spinous processes are longer. C7 spinous 

process is very long (i.e. vertebra prominens).

C1 superior facets 

articulate with the base of the occiput of the skull at the

atlanto-occipital joint which allows flexion/extension of the 

head on the trunk to say “yes”

are long and strong with length diminishing from T1 thru T12. The transverse 

processes of T1-T10 have facets for articulations with tubercles of ribs

Spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae increasingly slope downward often extending to level of vertebral 

body below. The spinous process of T1 is very prominent. The normal position of the scapula is between 

T2-T7 spinous process and the spine of the scapula is located at T3

are triangular; larger than 

thoracic but smaller than cervica

 are directed medially/laterally (near sagittal 

plane) facilitating flexion/extension. Mammillary 

processes are located at each superior articular process 

of lumbar vertebrae.

Spinous processes are short and hatchet shaped. If you place your hands on your waist at the 

superior aspect of the iliac crest (i.e. supracristal plane) you are at the approximate level of the 

interspace between L4 and L5

If you place your hands on your waist at the 

superior aspect of the iliac crest (i.e. supracristal plane) you are at the approximate level of the 

interspace between L4 and L5

The sacrum is wedge shaped and in adults composed of five fused vertebrae. Laterally the auricular 

surface of the sacrum transmits body weight to the pelvic girdle at the sacroiliac joints. Ala = “wings”

by the superior surface of the fused S1 vertebra. Its superior articular 

processes articulate with the inferior articular processes of the L5 vertebrae. The anterior edge of the S1 

vertebra is called the sacral promontory

the fused sacral laminae and is continuous with the vertebral canal. 

The sacral hiatus results from the absence of laminae and spinous processes of S4 and S5 vertebrae. The 

sacral canal and hiatus allow for passage of spinal nerve roots associated with the cauda equina. 

Trapezius

Latissimus Dorsi

Rhomboid Major

Rhomboid Minor

Levator Scapulae

Serratus Posterior Superior

Serratus Posterior Inferior

1.  Splenius capitis and cervicis

2.  Extensors and rotators of the vertebral column – erector spinae and transversospinales

3.  Short segmental muscles – interspinales, intertransversarii, levatores costarum

4.  Suboccipital muscles

innvervated by dorsal rami 

Thoracolumbar fascia provides a medial attachment for the latissimus dorsi and the serratus posterior inferior. In the lumbar region, the thoracolumbar fascia extends as three layers to invest the muscles of the deep back and one muscle of the posterior abdominal wall (quadratus lumborum). It attaches medially to spinous and transverse processes and laterally to the ribs (thoracic 

region) and the iliac crest (lumbar region).

 Also called “spinotransversales” secondary to fibers which run medially to superolaterally

 functions to Bilaterally extend head; unilaterally 

laterally flex and rotate head to same side

spinalis, longissimus, illiocostalis

their action is to  bilaterally extend spine/head; unilaterally laterally flex and 

rotate spine/head to same side

The muscles are located 

deep to the erector spinae

semispinalis, multifidus, rotatores (brevis or longus)

Actions: bilaterally extend spine; unilaterally laterally flex spine to same side but 

rotate spine to opposite side

rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis 

superior and obliquus capitis inferior

the vertebral artery (supplies brain)
suboccipital nerve (supplied by dorsal ramus of C1 - no sensory fibers)
greater occipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C2 -has sensory)