<P> Above and below each vertebra are joints called facet joints . These restrict the range of movement possible, and are joined by a thin portion of the neural arch called the pars interarticularis . In between each pair of vertebrae are two small holes called intervertebral foramina . The spinal nerves leave the spinal cord through these holes . </P> <P> Individual vertebrae are named according to their region and position . From top to bottom, the vertebrae are: </P> <Ul> <Li> Cervical spine: 7 vertebrae (C1--C7) </Li> <Li> Thoracic spine: 12 vertebrae (T1--T12) </Li> <Li> Lumbar spine: 5 vertebrae (L1--L5) </Li> <Li> Sacrum: 5 (fused) vertebrae (S1--S5) </Li> <Li> Coccyx: 4 (3--5) (fused) vertebrae (Tailbone) </Li> </Ul> <Li> Cervical spine: 7 vertebrae (C1--C7) </Li>

The last bone of the spinal column is the