Spine MRI
Alternate Names : Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Spine, MRI of the Spine, NMR - Spine, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - Spine
Pictures & Images
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MRI Scans
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MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a relatively new technology that allows imaging of the interior of the body without using X-rays or other types of ionizing radiation. An MRI scan is capable of showing fine detail of different tissues. Its use is rapidly increasing while the use of standard X-rays is decreasing.
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Skeletal Spine
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The spine is divided into several sections. The cervical vertebrae make up the neck. The thoracic vertebrae comprise the chest section and have ribs attached. The lumbar vertebrae are the remaining vertebrae below the last thoracic bone and the top of the sacrum. The sacral vertebrae are caged within the bones of the pelvis, and the coccyx represents the terminal vertebrae or vestigial tail.
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Vertebra, Lumbar (Low Back)
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These are the five vertebra of the lower back. The last vertebra (on the upper left of the picture) attaches to the sacrum, and the top vertebra (on the right of the picture) attaches to the thoracic section of the back. The vertebra are broader and stronger than the other bones in the spine. This allows them to absorb the added pressure applied to the lower back, but this area remains a common sight of injury. The vertebra are numbered from one to five and are labeled L1, L2, L3 etc. from the higher bones to the lower.
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Vertebra, Thoracic (Mid Back)
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These are twelve vertebra of the mid back. The last vertebra (on the left side of the picture) attaches to the lumbar (lower) spine, and the top vertebra (on the right) attaches to the cervical (neck) section of the back. The vertebra are broader and stronger than the cervical bones. This allows them to absorb the added pressure applied to the mid back, but they remain a common sight of injury. The vertebra are numbered from one to twelve and labeled T1, T2, T3 etc. from the upper most bones to the lowest.
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Posterior Spinal Anatomy
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The vertebral column is divided into the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region. It provides structural support for the trunk and surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The vertebral column also provides attachment points for the muscles of the back and ribs.
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