{"id":9421,"date":"2026-01-10T06:51:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T05:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/?page_id=9421"},"modified":"2026-01-14T08:17:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T07:17:52","slug":"spine-anatomy-simple-explanation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/spine-anatomy-simple-explanation\/","title":{"rendered":"Spine Anatomy \u2014 Simple Explanation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"line-height:1.35; margin:0 0 18px 0;\">\n  <div>\n    <span style=\"font-weight:600;\">Author:<\/span>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/cv-en\/\" \n       style=\"color:#004a80; font-weight:600; text-decoration:none;\"\n       onmouseover=\"this.style.textDecoration='underline';\"\n       onmouseout=\"this.style.textDecoration='none';\">\n       Dr. Zeljko Kojadinovic, MD, PhD\n    <\/a>\n    \u2014 Neurosurgeon and Pain Management Specialist\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div>\n    <span style=\"font-weight:600;\">Specialized Experience:<\/span>\n    30 years of clinical expertise in neurosurgery\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div>\n    <span style=\"font-weight:600;\">Last medically reviewed:<\/span>\n    January 7, 2026\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spine-vs-spinal-cord\">Spine vs. Spinal Cord \u2014 what is the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many patients confuse the <strong>spine<\/strong> and the <strong>spinal cord<\/strong>, but these are <strong>not the same structures<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>spine (vertebral column)<\/strong> is a <strong>bony and joint-based structure<\/strong> that supports the body, allows movement, and protects neural elements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>spinal cord<\/strong> is part of the <strong>central nervous system<\/strong> and runs <strong>inside the spine<\/strong>, within the spinal canal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple way to imagine this:<br>\ud83d\udc49 <strong>the spine is the tunnel<\/strong>, and <strong>the spinal cord is the cable inside it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"368\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spine-anatomy-2.jpg\" alt=\"The spine is composed of vertebrae stacked one on top of the other. Inside, these bones form the spinal canal, which acts as a protective tunnel. The spinal cord and the nerve roots that branch off from it pass through this canal.\" class=\"wp-image-9427\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.533368057816264;width:645px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spine-anatomy-2.jpg 368w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spine-anatomy-2-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/spine-anatomy-2-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image: The spine is composed of vertebrae stacked one on top of the other. Inside, these bones form the spinal canal, which acts as a protective tunnel. The spinal cord and the nerve roots that branch off from it pass through this canal.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vertebral-column\">What is the spine made of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The spine is composed of <strong>vertebrae<\/strong>, stacked one on top of another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In total, there are <strong>33\u201334 vertebrae<\/strong>, divided into five regions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cervical spine<\/strong> \u2013 7 vertebrae<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thoracic spine<\/strong> \u2013 12 vertebrae<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lumbar spine<\/strong> \u2013 5 vertebrae<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sacral spine<\/strong> \u2013 5 fused vertebrae<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coccygeal spine<\/strong> \u2013 3\u20134 small vertebrae<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spinal-column-vertebrae.png\" alt=\"Regions of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal (tailbone).\" class=\"wp-image-5701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spinal-column-vertebrae.png 480w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spinal-column-vertebrae-233x300.png 233w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spinal-column-vertebrae-9x12.png 9w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image: Regions of the spine: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal (tailbone).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main functions of the spine<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>supports body weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>enables bending and rotation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>protects the spinal cord and nerve roots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vertebra\">Structure of a vertebra \u2014 terms patients often see in reports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each vertebra consists of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vertebral body<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 the weight-bearing front part<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Processes (Bony Projections)<\/strong> \u2013 bony projections for muscle and ligament attachment, and articulations (including spinous, transverse, and articular processes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lamina<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 flat bony plates forming the posterior wall of the canal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra-1024x1024.png\" alt=\" A vertebra and its parts: the vertebral body, the lamina, and the processes (spinous, articular, and transverse processes).\" class=\"wp-image-9431\" style=\"width:701px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Vertebra.png 1228w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image: A vertebra and its parts: the vertebral body, the lamina, and the processes (spinous, articular, and transverse processes). Discs are located between vertebral bodies and consist of a soft central part (nucleus pulposus) and a strong outer ring (annulus fibrosus).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vertebral-connections\">How are vertebrae connected?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vertebrae are not fixed together \u2014 they are connected by flexible structures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Intervertebral discs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discs are located <strong>between vertebral bodies<\/strong> and act as <strong>shock absorbers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each disc consists of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a soft central part (<strong>nucleus pulposus<\/strong>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a strong outer ring (<strong>annulus fibrosus<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discs allow movement and load distribution, but can cause problems when they <strong>bulge or herniate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Facet joints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Facet joints are <strong>small joints<\/strong> located at the back of the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>guide spinal movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prevent excessive sliding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>can be a source of pain (facet joint syndrome)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"835\" height=\"705\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facet-joints.jpg\" alt=\"The vertebrae are connected in the front by the intervertebral disc, located between the vertebral bodies. In the back, they are joined by the facet joints.\" class=\"wp-image-6428\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1844012500277046;width:662px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facet-joints.jpg 835w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facet-joints-300x253.jpg 300w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facet-joints-768x648.jpg 768w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facet-joints-14x12.jpg 14w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 835px) 100vw, 835px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image: The vertebrae are connected in the front by the intervertebral disc, located between the vertebral bodies. In the back, they are joined by the facet joints.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spinal-canal\">The spinal canal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>spinal canal<\/strong> is the space inside the spine that contains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the spinal cord<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nerve roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>spinal meninges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its boundaries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>anteriorly<\/strong> \u2013 vertebral bodies and discs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>posteriorly<\/strong> \u2013 laminae and the <strong>ligamentum flavum (yellow ligament)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thickening of ligaments or bony changes can narrow the canal, leading to <strong>spinal stenosis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"361\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal-1024x361.jpg\" alt=\"The spinal canal and its boundaries. The front wall is formed by the back surfaces of the vertebral bodies and discs. The back wall is formed by the laminae and the yellow ligament (ligamentum flavum) situated between them (shown in the right image).\" class=\"wp-image-9434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal-1024x361.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal-768x271.jpg 768w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal-1536x542.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal-18x6.jpg 18w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-Canal.jpg 1632w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image: The spinal canal and its boundaries. The front wall is formed by the back surfaces of the vertebral bodies and discs. The back wall is formed by the laminae and the yellow ligament (ligamentum flavum) situated between them (shown in the right image).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spinal-cord\">The spinal cord \u2014 function and extent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>spinal cord<\/strong> is part of the central nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its function:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>transmits signals between the brain and the body<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>enables movement, sensation, and reflexes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In adults, it extends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>from the base of the brain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>down to approximately the <strong>L1\u2013L2 vertebral level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below this level, there is <strong>no spinal cord<\/strong>, only a bundle of nerve roots (cauda equina)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"456\" height=\"661\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-cord-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image: The spinal cord inside the spinal canal. It extends from the first cervical vertebra down to the first or second lumbar vertebra. From that point downward, the canal contains the nerve roots for the legs that emerge from the spinal cord. This is why a lumbar disc herniation almost never results in compression of the spinal cord itself.\" class=\"wp-image-9437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-cord-1.jpg 456w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-cord-1-207x300.jpg 207w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Spinal-cord-1-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image:<\/strong> <strong>The spinal cord inside the spinal canal. It extends from the first cervical vertebra down to the first or second lumbar vertebra. From that point downward, the canal contains the nerve roots for the legs that emerge from the spinal cord. This is why a lumbar disc herniation almost never results in compression of the spinal cord itself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nerve-roots\">Nerve roots and spinal nerves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the spinal cord emerge <strong>nerve roots<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>anterior (motor) roots<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>posterior (sensory) roots<\/strong>, which contain <strong>dorsal root ganglia<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These roots join together and exit the spinal canal through the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intervertebral (neural) foramina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are small openings between adjacent vertebrae.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disc bulges, herniations, bone spurs, or ligament thickening can compress the nerve here, causing <strong>radiating pain, numbness, or weakness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where do these nerves go?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After leaving the spine, spinal nerves form peripheral nerves that supply different body regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cervical spine \u2014 nerves for the arms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important nerves include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ulnar nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Radial nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Axillary nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Musculocutaneous nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These nerves control <strong>arm and hand movement, strength, and sensation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thoracic spine \u2014 nerves of the chest<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thoracic nerves continue as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intercostal nerves<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They run around the chest wall and are responsible for <strong>chest and upper abdominal sensation and movement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lumbar and sacral spine \u2014 nerves for the legs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most important nerves include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sciatic nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Femoral nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Obturator nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tibial nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Common peroneal (fibular) nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These nerves control <strong>hip, leg, and foot movement and sensation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why spinal problems often cause pain that <strong>radiates into the arm or leg<\/strong>, rather than staying only in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"spinal-cord-meninges\">Spinal cord coverings and the subarachnoid space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The spinal cord and nerve roots are surrounded by <strong>meninges (spinal coverings)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between them lies the <strong>subarachnoid space<\/strong>, which:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>contains cerebrospinal fluid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>extends along the spinal cord<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>continues around the proximal nerve roots until they receive their own dural sleeve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Changes in this space can be relevant in certain neurological and pain-related conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SA-space-spine-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SA-space-spine-2.jpg 697w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SA-space-spine-2-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SA-space-spine-2-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Image: The spinal cord and its nerve roots. The anterior (motor) and posterior (sensory) roots emerge from the spinal cord and join to form a single root. As they exit the spinal canal through openings between the vertebrae (foramina), they form the nerves. Both the spinal cord and the nerve roots are encased in protective layers called meninges (dura mater and arachnoid). Between the arachnoid layer and the nerve elements, clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Filum terminale<\/strong> is a thin fibrous structure that extends from the lower end of the spinal cord and anchors it to the sacrum. Its normal role is to stabilize the spinal cord while still allowing normal movement of the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the filum terminale is abnormally thick, short, or inelastic, it may place excessive tension on the spinal cord. This condition, known as <em>tethered cord syndrome<\/em>, can lead to neurological symptoms in children and, in some cases, pain and neurological complaints in adults, especially during spinal movement or prolonged standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a relatively uncommon condition and should always be evaluated in the appropriate clinical and imaging context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"spine-anatomy-related\">\n  <p>\n    Understanding spine anatomy can help patients better understand the following conditions:\n  <\/p>\n\n  <ul>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/lumbar-disc-herniation-and-sciatica\/\">Lumbar Disc Herniation and Sciatica<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/cervical-disc-herniation-radiculopathy\/\">Cervical Disc Herniation and Radiculopathy<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/cervical-sprain-whiplash-injury\/\">Cervical Sprain (Whiplash Injury)<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/low-back-pain-different-causes-different-treatments\/\">Low Back Pain<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/neck-pain-different-causes-different-treatments\/\">Neck Pain<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/chronic-pain-after-lumbar-discectomy\/\">Chronic Pain After Lumbar Discectomy<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/tarlov-cysts-and-pain-second-opinion\/\">Tarlov Cysts<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/pudendal-neuralgia-causes-diagnosis-treatment\/\">Pudendal Neuralgia<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/intercostal-neuralgia\/\">Intercostal Neuralgia<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/occipital-neuralgia-and-occipital-headache\/\">Occipital Neuralgia<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/polyneuropathy-and-local-painful-syndromes\/\">Polyneuropathy<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/postsurgical-pain-syndromes\/\">Postsurgical Pain Syndromes<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<nav aria-label=\"Pages in this hub\" class=\"hub-mini\"\n     style=\"background:#f4faff;border:1px solid #cce5ff;border-radius:8px;            padding:9px 11px;margin:14px 0;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.5;\">\n  <div style=\"font-weight:700;color:#005c99;margin:0 0 6px 0;font-size:14px;\">\n    Pages in this Hub\n  <\/div>\n\n  <ul style=\"list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;             display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px 18px;\">\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/neuroanatomy-simply-explained\/\">Neuroanatomy \u2014 Hub<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/brain-anatomy-simply-explained\/\">Brain anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/spine-anatomy-simple-explanation\/\">Spine anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/nerve-anatomy-simply-explained\/\">Nerve anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/cranial-nerves-simply-explained\/\">Cranial nerves<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/cerebral-blood-circulation-simply-explained\/\">Cerebral circulation<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/ventricular-system-cerebrospinal-fluid-csf-simple-explanation\/\">Ventricular system &#038; CSF<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/subarachnoid-space-simply-explained\/\">Subarachnoid space<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/skull-anatomy-simple-explanation\/\">Skull anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n\n<script>\n(function(){\n  var here = location.pathname.replace(\/\\\/+$\/,'') + '\/';\n  document.querySelectorAll('nav.hub-mini a').forEach(function(a){\n    var ap = a.pathname.replace(\/\\\/+$\/,'') + '\/';\n    if (ap === here){\n      var span = document.createElement('span');\n      span.textContent = a.textContent;\n      span.setAttribute('aria-current','page');\n      span.style.fontWeight = '700';\n      span.style.color = '#005c99';\n      span.style.textDecoration = 'none';\n      a.replaceWith(span);\n    }\n  });\n})();\n<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Author: Dr. Zeljko Kojadinovic, MD, PhD \u2014 Neurosurgeon and Pain Management Specialist Specialized Experience: 30 years of clinical expertise in neurosurgery Last medically reviewed: January 7, 2026 Spine vs. Spinal Cord \u2014 what is the difference? Many patients confuse the spine and the spinal cord, but these are not the same structures. A simple way [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Spine Anatomy \u2014 Simple Explanation","_seopress_titles_desc":"A simple, patient-friendly overview of spine anatomy to help understand common spine-related conditions and pain syndromes.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9421","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9421","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9421"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9954,"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9421\/revisions\/9954"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neurohirurgija.in.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}