W. S. Oke, Sketch of the Relative Anatomy of the Spinal Column (Continued), Provincial Medical Journal and Retrospect of the Medical Sciences, Vol. 7, No. 177 (Feb. 17, 1844), pp. 383-386 ...

The spinal column is composed of bony structures called vertebrae. The spinal cord is divided into 4 regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions.

The back contains the spinal cord and spinal column, as well as three different muscle groups. Many conditions and injuries can affect the back. Learn more here.

These are the nerve cells in the spinal column and brain stem that allow for voluntary muscle control. Spina bifida is a congenital abnormality that primarily affects the spine.

The findings, published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show that the general structure of our spinal column was already emerging 3.3 million years ago.