Exercise 8 : Axial Skeleton (vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and hyoid)

What are the names of the fibrocartilage pads between adjacent bodies of the vertebrae?

Intervertebral discs. These discs provide cushioning and allow for flexibility and movement in the spinal column.

What structures make up the vertebral arch?

The vertebral arch is composed of two pedicles and two laminae, which encircle the vertebral foramen.

The superior articular process of a vertebra articulates with what specific structure?

the inferior articular process of the vertebra above it, facilitating articulation between adjacent vertebrae.

Which spinal curvature is the most superior one?

The cervical curvature, which develops as the head is held upright and allows for proper weight distribution.

On what vertebra would you find the dens or the odontoid process?

The second cervical vertebra, known as the axis, and it allows for the rotation of the atlas.

Which vertebra has no body?

The first cervical vertebra, known as the atlas, which supports the skull and permits nodding movements.

What two features do cervical vertebrae have that no other vertebrae have?

Cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina and bifid spinous processes. Transverse foramina allow for the passage of vertebral arteries, and bifid spinous processes provide muscle attachment.

C1

atlas

C2

axis

C7

vertebra prominens

What is the breakdown of the vertebrae?

Cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (5, fused), coccygeal (4, fused)

Distinguish between the posterior sacral foramina and the sacral canal

The posterior sacral foramina are openings in the sacrum for the transmission of sacral nerves, while the sacral canal is the space within the sacrum that houses the spinal nerves and the terminal part of the spinal cord.

Name the horizontal lines that result from the fusion of the sacral vertebrae

sacral crests

What is the joint between the sacrum and the hipbones?

sacroiliac joint, which connects the sacrum to the ilium of the pelvis, allowing for weight transfer and stability.

Name the major features of the hyoid bone

The major features of the hyoid bone include the body, greater horns, and lesser horns. It serves as an attachment point for muscles involved in swallowing and speech.

Does the hyoid bone have any solid bony attachments

No, the hyoid bone does not have any solid bony attachments; it is only connected to other structures by muscles and ligaments.

A rib that attaches to the sternum by the cartilage of rib 7 has what name?

False rib

Is the angle of the rib on the anterior or posterior side of the body?

The angle of the rib is located on the posterior side of the body, where the rib bends to turn towards the sternum.

Which ribs are the floating ribs

The floating ribs are the eleventh and twelfth pairs of ribs, which do not attach to the sternum or to the other ribs at all.

Which part of a rib articulates with the transverse process of a vertebra

Tubercle.

The most inferior portion of the sternum is the…?

xiphoid process.

The superior portion of the sternum is called the…?

manubrium.