Spine Gallery

Slipped disc, MRI

Slipped disc. Coloured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a sagittal (side) section through the lower spine of a patient suffering from a slipped or herniated disc. The central part (dark blue, lower right) of one of the discs that separate the bones (vertebrae, light blue) of the spine has been forced through a weakened area of the disc, and is protruding into the spinal cord (beige strip, top to lower right). A slipped disc often occurs after a back injury or strain, causing back pain. It may compress the nerves of the spinal cord, resulting in tingling or numbness in the feet and legs. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy

© Gjlp/Science Photo Library

Torso bones

Torso bones. Historical anatomical artwork of the bones of the human torso, seen from the front. The backbone (vertical, centre) is a flexible column of 26 spinal bones (vertebrae) supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord. The backbone joins to the skull (not seen) and to the pelvis (lower centre). The bones of the pelvis also connect to the leg bones (not seen). Twelve pairs of ribs (connected to the backbone and breastbone) form a protective cage (upper centre) around the heart and lungs. The scapula bones (shoulder blades) and clavicles (collar bones) are also shown. Artwork from The Bones and Ligaments of the Human Body (Ed. Jones Quain, London, 1842)

© Sheila Terry/Science Photo Library

Neck vertebrae extended, X-ray

Bending of the neck. Coloured X-ray of a side view of the neck of a man showing extension of healthy cervical vertebrae (bones). The seven cervical neck vertebrae are the smallest, lightest vertebrae in the spine; they support the head and neck and allow the skull to turn and nod. Nodding occurs when an individual flexes and extends the neck. Flexion, a bending movement, occurs when the angle between the articulating cervical bones decreases and extension occurs when the angle between the cervical bones increases. This image may depict whiplash, the forcible sudden bending of the neck forwards and backwards which may cause neck injury. The hyoid bone of the neck is seen below the jawbone. See images P116/729-731 for flexing of the neck

© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY