The neck is part of a long flexible column, known as the spinal column or backbone, which extends through most of the body. The cervical spine(neck region) consists of seven bones, which are separated from one another by intervertebral discs. At each level, the vertebrae protect their segment of the spinal cord and work with muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to provide a combination of support, structure, and flexibility to the neck. The human back is the large posterior area of the human body, rising from the top of the buttocks to the back of the neck and the shoulders. It is the surface of the body opposite from the chest.