Vertebral Column & Thoracic Cage

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and general features of the vertebral column, spinal curves, typical vertebra structure, thoracic cage, sternum, ribs, and extremity appendicular girdles.

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae ($C_1$–$C_7$) located in the neck region, characterized by transverse foramina in their transverse processes.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The twelve vertebrae ($T_1$–$T_{12}$) located in the chest region, featuring costal facets for articulation with the ribs.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The five vertebrae ($L_1$–$L_5$) located in the lower back, featuring large, sturdy bodies suited for bearing body weight.

Sacrum

A triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae, located inferior to the lumbar region and situated between the coxal bones.

Coccyx

The terminal portion of the vertebral column, commonly known as the tailbone, formed by fused coccygeal vertebrae.

Abnormal Spinal Curvatures

Structural deviations of the spine including kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis.

Kyphosis

An exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic region of the vertebral column, commonly referred to as hunchback.

Lordosis

An exaggerated anterior curvature of the lumbar region of the vertebral column, commonly referred to as swayback.

Scoliosis

An abnormal lateral curvature or side-to-side deviation of the vertebral column.

Vertebral Body

The thick, disc-shaped anterior portion of a vertebra that functions as the primary weight-bearing structure.

Vertebral Foramen

The large central opening enclosed by the vertebral arch and body through which the spinal cord passes.

Vertebral Arch

A bony ring attached to the posterior side of the vertebral body, composed of paired pedicles and laminae.

Pedicle

A short, thick process projecting posteriorly from each side of the vertebral body to form the lateral walls of the vertebral arch.

Lamina

A broad, flat plate of bone extending medially from each pedicle to meet at the midline, forming the roof of the vertebral arch.

Spinous Process

A single posterior projection extending from the junction of the laminae of a vertebra, serving as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.

Transverse Process

A lateral projection extending outward from each side of a vertebra at the junction of the pedicle and lamina.

Transverse Foramina

Openings located within the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae that transmit blood vessels to and from the brain.

Superior Articular Process

Upward-projecting bony processes on a vertebra that articulate with the inferior articular processes of the vertebra directly above it.

Intervertebral Foramen

A lateral opening formed between notches of adjacent articulated vertebrae that provides passage for spinal nerves.

Intervertebral Disc

A fibrocartilaginous pad situated between adjacent vertebral bodies that cushions shock and allows motion of the spinal column.

Atlas ($C_1$) and Axis ($C_2$)

The specialized first cervical vertebra (Atlas), which supports the skull, and second cervical vertebra (Axis), which features the dens to allow head rotation.

Atlas ($C_1$)

The first cervical vertebra, which lacks a body and spinous process and articulates directly with the occipital condyles of the skull.

Axis ($C_2$)

The second cervical vertebra, distinguished by its vertical tooth-like projection called the dens (odontoid process) that acts as a pivot for rotation.

Manubrium

The broad, superior portion of the sternum that articulates with the clavicles and the first pair of ribs.

Gladiolus

The elongated central body of the sternum, forming the largest middle section of the bone.

Xiphoid Process

The small, cartilaginous inferior projection of the sternum that ossifies into bone in adult life.

Rib Articulation with Thoracic Vertebrae

The structural connection where the head and tubercle of a rib articulate with the costal facets on the bodies and transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae.

True Ribs

The upper seven pairs of ribs (ribs 1–7) that attach directly to the sternum via their individual costal cartilages.

False Ribs

Rib pairs 8 through 12 that do not attach directly to the sternum, including floating ribs 11 and 12.

Pectoral Girdle Anatomy

The bony framework consisting of the clavicle and scapula that attaches the upper extremity to the axial skeleton.

Lower Extremity Anatomy

The skeletal bones of the pelvic girdle and lower limb, including the os coxa, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges.

Os Coxa

The coxal or hip bone that forms the pelvic girdle, articulating posteriorly with the sacrum and anteriorly at the pubic symphysis.