The authors define, explain, and illustrate a number of concepts pertaining to normal spinal anatomy that are of practical use but omitted in standard anatomical sources or are the subject of conflicting views: bony and cartilaginous end-plate, marginal ring, cortex of the vertebral body, isthmus, neurocentral junction, uncus, uncovertebral joint, zygapophyseal joint, annulus fibrosus, shorter and longer perivertebral ligaments, interspinous bursa, mamillo-accessory ligament. A French and German translation of recommended terms is provided as well.