Vertebral Column Anatomy

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the general anatomy, divisions, and structural components of the human vertebral column and vertebrae.

Vertebral Column

The supportive pillar of the body that transfers body weight to the pelvis and lower limbs while protecting the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.

Human Vertebrae Count

Consists of 33-34 vertebrae in total, of which 24 are free in an adult and the remainder are fused into the sacrum and coccyx.

Cervical Region

The division of the vertebral column composed of 7 vertebrae.

Thoracic Region

The division of the vertebral column composed of 12 vertebrae.

Lumbar Region

The division of the vertebral column composed of 5 vertebrae.

Sacral Region

The division of the vertebral column composed of 5 fused vertebrae forming the sacrum.

Coccygeal Region

The division of the vertebral column composed of 4-5 fused and rudimentary vertebrae forming the coccyx.

Vertebral Body (Corpus vertebrae)

The anterior, thickened, weight-bearing supportive portion of the vertebra directed forward.

Vertebral Arch (Arcus vertebrae)

The structure situated posterior to the vertebral body, attached to the body by pedicles.

Pedicles of the Vertebral Arch (Pedunculi arcus vertebrae)

Projections connecting the vertebral arch to the vertebral body, possessing superior and inferior vertebral notches along their borders.

Intervertebral Foramina (Foramina intervertebralia)

Apertures formed by the articulation of superior and inferior vertebral notches (incisurae vertebrales superiores et inferiores) on the intact vertebral column, with the inferior notches being deeper than the superior ones.

Vertebral Foramen (Foramen vertebrale)

The large opening enclosed between the vertebral body and the vertebral arch.

Vertebral Canal (Canalis vertebralis)

The continuous canal formed by all vertebral foramina together, housing and protecting the spinal cord.

Spinous Process (Processus spinosus)

A single, unpaired projection arising from the vertebral arch along the midline directed posteriorly.

Transverse Process (Processus transversus)

Paired processes projecting laterally to the right and left from the vertebral arch.

Articular Processes (Processus articulares)

Superior and inferior projections arising from the vertebral arch through which adjacent vertebrae articulate with each other.

Transverse Foramen (Foramen costotransversarium)

An aperture located on the transverse process found on all cervical vertebrae.