Bone of the trunk

Human anatomy

Cervical Vertebrae = C

7

Function: Supports heavy sky and allows for high mobility in neck movement

Thoracic Vertebrae = T

12

Function: Connect to the ribs to form the protective rib cage; highly stable with limited mobility

Lumbar Vertebrae = L

5

Bears the bulk of the upper body weight; thickest bones to absorb physical stress

Sacral Vertebrae = S

5 fused bones

Function: Anchors the base of the spine to the pelvis; transfers upper body weight down to the legs

Coccyx Vertebrae = Co

3-5 (fused in adults)

Function: Tailbone, acts as an anchor point for pelvic floor muscles and ligament

Vertebral Body

front portion that bears the weight

Vertebral Arch

attached to the back of the body, forming a protective roo

pedicles (x2)

pillars that connect the vertebral arch to the vertebral body

lamina

flat bone plates that meet in the middle to form the "roof" of the arch

spinous process

The single bony projection pointing straight back (acts as a lever for muscles)

transverse process (x2)

bony projections pointing out to the left and right sides (for muscle/ligament attachment)

superior articular process (x2)

inferior articular process (x2)

superior articular facets (x2)

inferior articular facets (x2)

vertebral foramen

large central hole created by the body and arch. (They line up to hold the spinal cord)

superior vertebral notches

Indentations on the top and bottom of the pedicles. When vertebrae stack, they form holes (intervertebral foramina) for spinal nerves to exit

inferior vertebral notches

Indentations on the top and bottom of the pedicles. When vertebrae stack, they form holes (intervertebral foramina) for spinal nerves to exit