Anatomy and Physiology I LAB - TABLE 9.3

Regional characteristics of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae

Cervical: body

Small, wide side to side

Cervical: spinous process

Short; bifid; projects directly posteriorly

Cervical: vertebral foramen

Triangular

Cervical: transverse processes

Contains foramina

Cervical: superior and inferior articulating processes

• Superior - facets directed superoposteriorly

• Inferior - facets directed inferoanteriorly

Cervical: movements allowed

• Flexion and extension

• Lateral flexion

• Rotation

• Spine region with the greatest range of movement**

Thoracic: body

Larger than cervical, heart shaped + has costal facets

Thoracic: spinous process

Long and sharp; projects inferiorly

Thoracic: vertebral foramen

Circular

Thoracic: transverse processes

Has costal facets for ribs (except T11, T12)

Thoracic: superior and inferior articulating processes

• Superior: facets directed posteriorly

• Inferior: facets directed anteriorly

Thoracic: movements allowed

• Rotation

• Lateral flexion, but restricted by ribs

• Flexion and extension LIMITED

Lumbar: body

Massive; kidney shaped

Lumbar: spinous process

Short and blunt; projects directly posteriorly

Lumbar: vertebral foramen

Triangular

Lumbar: transverse processes

Thin and tapered

Lumbar: superior and inferior articulating processes

• Superior: facets directed posteromedially (medially)

• Inferior: facets directed anterolaterally (laterally)

Lumbar: movements allowed

• Flexion and extension

• Some lateral flexion

• Rotation PREVENTED