In any body locale where strength of interconnection is a requirement, dense connective tissues are found. Forces transmitted across tissues determine how the protein fibers are placed within each tissue type. For example, tendons and ligaments are cords of the body that must resist linear forces along their lengths.
The cervical spine in your neck is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated by discs filled with a cushioning gel-like substance. Your cervical discs both stabilize your neck and allow it to turn smoothly from side to side and bend forward to back.
The cervical spine is the upper part of your spine that supports your neck. The cervical spine has seven vertebrae. The middle part of your back is your thoracic spine. It is made up of 12 vertebrae. The lumbar spine is your lower back and has five vertebrae. Spinal compression can occur in any of these areas.