Intervertebral discs, small cartilage cushions, pad the spaces between the vertebrae. The discs allow movement of the spinal column and function like shock absorbers. A letter and number identify ...

The spinal column consists of 33 vertebrae, which form pairs of precursor structures called somites. Somites give rise to not only our vertebrae, but also our ribs and skeletal muscles.

Cervical spine The cervical spine consists of the first seven vertebrae at the top of the spine. These vertebrae are the smallest in the vertebral column. They are known as C1–C7.