Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Spinal fusion - series: Normal anatomy

Spinal fusion - seriesIllustrations: Normal anatomy Indications Incision Procedure: Posterolateral gutter fusion Interbody cage fusion Pedicle screw

The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spinal column, which surrounds and protects the spinal cord. The intervertebral disks are soft tissues that sit between each vertebrae and act as cushions between vertebrae, and absorb energy while the spinal column flexes, extends, and twists. Nerves from the spinal cord exit the spinal column between each vertebra.