Vertebrae, Vertebral Column & Thoracic Cage Vocabulary

41 vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical terms related to the vertebrae, vertebral column curvatures, sacrum, and thoracic cage based on lecture figures 12-13 to 12-15.

Atlas (C1)

First cervical vertebra; ring-shaped bone that supports the skull and allows nodding motion.

Axis (C2)

Second cervical vertebra; contains the dens and permits head rotation.

Dens (odontoid process)

Peg-like projection of the axis that acts as a pivot for the atlas.

Transverse foramen

Opening in cervical vertebrae that transmits the vertebral artery, vein, and sympathetic nerves.

Transverse process

Lateral bony projection from the vertebral arch for muscle and ligament attachment.

Superior articular facet

Smooth surface on a vertebra that articulates with the inferior facet of the vertebra above.

Inferior articular facet

Facet that articulates with the superior articular facet of the vertebra below.

Anterior arch (of atlas)

Front portion of C1 forming part of the ring; bears a facet for articulation with the dens.

Posterior arch (of atlas)

Back portion of C1 forming part of the ring; replaces the typical vertebral laminae and spinous process.

Posterior tubercle

Small midline bump on the posterior arch of the atlas where ligaments attach.

Spinous process

Posterior projection from the vertebral arch which serves as muscle and ligament attachment site.

Bifid spinous process

Split or forked spinous process characteristic of C2–C6 cervical vertebrae.

Vertebral body

Weight-bearing, cylindrical anterior portion of a vertebra.

Vertebral foramen

Opening formed by the vertebral arch and body; houses the spinal cord.

Pedicle

Short bony pillar connecting vertebral body to transverse process.

Lamina

Flat plate of bone forming the posterior part of the vertebral arch between transverse and spinous processes.

C7 (vertebra prominens)

Seventh cervical vertebra distinguished by a long, non-bifid spinous process palpable at the neck base.

Thoracic vertebra (T10)

Lower thoracic vertebra with costal facets for rib articulation and a long downward-sloping spinous process.

Lumbar vertebra (L3)

Mid-lumbar vertebra characterized by a large kidney-shaped body and sturdy, horizontal spinous process.

L5–sacrum articulation

Joint where the fifth lumbar vertebra meets the sacrum at the lumbosacral angle.

Sacrum

Triangular bone formed by five fused vertebrae; connects spine to pelvic girdle.

Sacral promontory

Anterior projecting edge of the first sacral vertebra; landmark in obstetrics.

Auricular surface

Ear-shaped lateral surface of the sacrum that articulates with the ilium to form the sacroiliac joint.

Anterior sacral foramina

Paired openings on the anterior sacrum transmitting ventral rami of sacral spinal nerves.

Lateral mass (of sacrum)

Thickened lateral portion housing the auricular surface and supporting body weight transfer to pelvis.

Coccyx

Small, fused tailbone formed by four rudimentary vertebrae below the sacrum.

Cervical curvature

Concave posterior curve in the neck region developed during infancy when lifting the head.

Thoracic curvature

Convex posterior curve corresponding to the thoracic vertebrae; primary curvature present from birth.

Lumbar curvature

Concave posterior curve in the lower back that develops when a child begins to walk.

Sacral curvature

Convex posterior curve of the sacrum and coccyx; part of the primary curvature.

Intervertebral foramina

Openings between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit the vertebral canal.

Sternal angle

Joint between the manubrium and body of sternum at rib 2; important surface landmark.

Manubrium

Broad superior part of the sternum articulating with clavicles and first two ribs.

Body of sternum

Long central portion of the sternum where costal cartilages of ribs 2–7 attach.

Xiphoid process

Small inferior tip of the sternum that ossifies in adulthood; attachment for diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

True ribs (1–7)

Ribs that attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilages.

False ribs (8–12)

Ribs that do not attach directly to the sternum; include costal cartilage merging with rib 7 or none at all.

Floating ribs (11–12)

Last two pairs of ribs with no anterior attachment to the sternum.

Costal cartilage

Hyaline cartilage bars that connect ribs to the sternum, providing elasticity to the thoracic cage.

Costosternal articulation

Joint where costal cartilage meets the sternum, allowing rib movement during respiration.

Clavicle

Collarbone; S-shaped bone articulating with the manubrium medially and scapula laterally.