Bones and Ligaments of the Upper Extremity, Spine & Torso

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the bones and ligaments of the upper extremity, spine, and torso.

Cervical vertebrae

Vertebrae in the neck region, numbered C1 to C7.

Atlas (C-1)

The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull.

Axis (C-2)

The second cervical vertebra that allows head rotation.

Curvatures of the spine

The natural curves of the spine, including cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and sacral kyphosis.

Thoracic vertebrae

Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back, numbered T1 to T12.

Lumbar vertebrae

Vertebrae in the lower back, numbered L1 to L5.

Sacrum (S1 - S5)

A triangular bone formed by the fusion of five vertebrae, located below the lumbar vertebrae.

Intervertebral discs

Cartilaginous pads that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae.

Costal cartilage

Cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.

True ribs

Ribs 1-7 that attach directly to the sternum.

False ribs

Ribs 8-12 that do not attach directly to the sternum.

Floating ribs

Ribs 11-12 that do not attach to the sternum at all.

Acromion process

The bony projection of the scapula that forms the highest point of the shoulder.

Glenoid fossa

The socket in the scapula for the ball-and-socket shoulder joint.

Ulnar collateral ligament

A ligament that stabilizes the inner side of the elbow joint.