Back anatomy
The back includes the vertebral column, which encloses the spinal cord, and layers of muscles that extend, rotate and stabilise the spine and connect the trunk to the shoulder girdle.
Muscles of the back
Bones of the back
Organs and glands of the back
Common questions
How many vertebrae are in the spine?
The adult vertebral column has 24 movable vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar) plus the sacrum and coccyx, which are formed by fused vertebrae.