vertebral column

Function of the vertebral column

Protection of the spinal cord and support for the weight of the head and trunk.

Vertebral Body

Supports the weight of the head and trunk.

Vertebral Arch

Formed by pedicles, lamina, and spinous process to house and protect the spinal cord.

Superior articulating process

Where vertebrae above attach via facets by cartilage.

Inferior articulating process

Joins to facets of the next inferior vertebra.

Transverse process and Spinous process

Attachment points for muscles and ligaments.

Transverse foramen

Allows passage of blood vessels to the brain.

Atlas (Cervical #1)

Ring-like vertebra with no real body; supports and balances the head.

Odontoid process (Dens)

Protrudes into the ring of Atlas allowing 'no' type motion.

Thoracic Vertebrae

12 vertebrae that increase in size and strength from T1 onward.

Lumbar Vertebrae

5 vertebrae designed for strength and weight bearing.

Sacrum

5 fused vertebrae designed for strength and support of body weight.

Dorsal sacral foramina

Openings viewed posteriorly that allow passage of blood vessels and nerves.

Pelvic sacral foramina

Openings viewed anteriorly that allow passage of blood vessels and nerves.

Thoracic cage components

Composed of 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs, sternum, and costal cartilage.

Manubrium

Upper widened area of the sternum that serves as an attachment for the clavicles and superior pair of ribs.

True ribs

7 pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

False ribs

3 pairs of ribs that attach to the costal cartilage of the ribs above, plus 2 pairs of floating ribs that do not attach anteriorly.