47 - Current Status of Imaging of the Spine and Anatomical Features

Abstract

The spine is the structure supporting the body. Anatomically the spine is organised segmentally. Each level, except C1, consists of a vertebral body anteriorly and a vertebral or neural arch posteriorly. These two structures enclose the spinal canal. Functionally the spine can be divided into three columns. The anterior column includes the anterior longitudinal ligament, the anterior annulus fibrosus, and the anterior two-thirds of the vertebral body. The middle column comprises the posterior third of the vertebral body, the posterior annulus fibrosus, and the posterior longitudinal ligament. The posterior column includes the posterior elements with the pedicles, facet joints, laminae and spinous processes as well as the posterior ligaments.