Vertebral Column Anatomy

Physiology

Atlas (C1)

supports the head

Axis (C2)

second cervical vertebrae

body of vertebrae

the thick, disc-shaped anterior portion which is the weight bearing portion

cervical curvature

C1-C7

Coccyx

four vertebrae fused together to form the tailbone

intervertebral foramen

opening located between adjacent vertebrae for exit of a spinal nerve

lamina

lumbar curvature

L1-L5

median sacral crest

name the ridge formed by the fused spinous processes of the sacral vertebrae.

dens (odontoid process)

acts as pivot for rotation of atlas and the skull

Pedicle

intervetebral discs

absorb shock and movement in the spine, made of cartilage

pelvic curvature

made up of sacrum and coccyx

sacral foramina

holes for passage of blood vessels and nerves in sacrum

sacral hiatus

Opening at inferior end of sacrum on posterior side

sacrum-ilium articulating surface

Spinal foramen of vertebra

Hole which spinal cord runs through in each vertebra

Spinous process of vertebra

projects posteriorly from fused lamina

superior articular facet

What is the highlighted structure?

superior articular process

Name this specific part of the thoracic vertebra.

thoracic curvature

T1-T12

transverse foramen

The openings in the cervical vertebrae for the transmission of the vertebral artery and vein are called the:

transverse process

two lateral projections from the vertebral arch

false ribs

last 5 pairs of ribs; attach indirectly to sternum

gladiolus (body)

middle portion of the sternum

Manubrium of sternum

top of sternum

Sternum

the breastbone, forms the middle of the front of the rib cage and is divided into three parts

floating ribs

last two pairs of ribs; do not attach to sternum

Vertebrochondrial (false ribs)

vertebrosternal (true) ribs

attached to the sternum individually

xiphoid process

inferior portion of the sternum