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Spine Anatomy & Glossary A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z sacral - The base of the lumbar spine which connects the spine to the pelvis. sciatica - Irritation of the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the body and travels down the legs. scoliosis - A curvature of the spine which occurs most frequently in young adolescent females. screw - Usually made of titanium and is placed in either the front or back of the spine. sequestered disc fragment - Occurs when a portion of the disc breaks off completely and pushes on the nerves to the arms or legs. spina bifida - A congenital problem which occurs due to incomplete formation of the back of the spine. spinal fluid - The clear fluid which surrounds the spinal cord and nerves in the spine. spinal cord - The connection between the brain stem and the nerves which allows motion and sensation. spinous process - The back of the spine bones; this can be felt through the skin. spondylolisthesis - A forward slippage of one vertebra on the other. Spondylolysis: A stress fracture of the back of the spine. Occurs in the portion of the lamina known as the “pars interarticularis.” Spondylosis: Degenerative changes of a section of the vertebra. stenosis - Decreased space available for the nerves, usually due to arthritis. Syringomyelia: The presence of cavities in the spinal cord. Syrinx: A tubular, fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord.