Vertebrae are the bones that make up the SPINE, also known as the BACKBONE. The SPINE is made up of 33 vertebrae, which are divided into five sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and COCCYX. The cervical vertebrae are located in the neck, the thoracic vertebrae are located in the chest, the lumbar vertebrae are located in the lower back, the sacral vertebrae are located in the pelvic region, and the COCCYX is located at the base of the SPINE. Together, these bones form the spinal column, which provides support for the body and protects the spinal cord.