Anatomy of the Vertebral Column and Rib Cage

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the structure and function of the vertebral column and rib cage.

Vertebral Column

A structure composed of vertebrae that houses and protects the spinal cord.

Cervical Vertebrae

The seven vertebrae of the neck, labeled C1-C7.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The five vertebrae in the lower back, labeled L1-L5.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The twelve vertebrae located in the upper and mid back, labeled T1-T12.

Sacrum

A large, triangular bone at the base of the spine, made up of five fused vertebrae.

Coccyx

The tailbone, consisting of four fused vertebrae.

Kyphosis

A condition characterized by an excessive outward curvature of the spine, resulting in a hunchback appearance.

Lordosis

A condition involving an excessive inward curvature of the spine, often referred to as swayback.

Scoliosis

A lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.

Cauda Equina

A bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve roots situated in the lumbar and sacral regions.

Dural Sac

The protective covering of the spinal cord that continues down to the S2 vertebra.

Conus Medullaris

The tapered end of the spinal cord, typically located at the L1 vertebra.

Filum Terminale

A thin strand of pia mater that anchors the spinal cord to the coccyx.

Spinal Meninges

Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid, pia mater) that surround the spinal cord.

Intervertebral Foramina

The openings between adjacent vertebrae that allow spinal nerves to exit the spinal canal.

Spinous Process

The bony projection off the back of each vertebra, which can be palpated along the spine.

Vertebral Foramen

The hole in each vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.

Transverse Process

The bony lateral projections from the vertebra that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments.

Rib Cage

The bony structure formed by the ribs that protects the thoracic cavity and organs.

True Ribs

The first seven pairs of ribs that attach directly to the sternum.

False Ribs

Ribs 8-12 that do not attach directly to the sternum; the last two pairs are known as floating ribs.