Biology II: Bone Basics: Vertebral Column

Biology II

what is the vertebral column also called

backbone, spine, or spinal column

how many bones make up the vertebral column

26

what type of bone is the vertebral column

irregular bone

what are the 3 functions of the vertebral column

support the upper body

protect the spinal cord

Provide points of attachment for other bones

why is the vertebral column curved

helps it to distribute pressure across the entire spine

the cervical vertebrae

7 vertebrae in the neck (C1-C7)

smallest vertebrae

Atlas (C1)

supports the head

articulates with the occipital condyles

allows you to nod “yes”

Axis (C2)

has a knoblike den that the atlas pivots upon

allows you to shake your head “no”

Thoracic Vertebrae

12 vertebrae found attached to the ribs

medium sized vertebrae

lumbar vertebrae

5 vertebrae found sin the lower back

largest vertebrae

sacrum

attached to the hip

originally 5 bones (fuses to one by 30)

coccyx

the tailbone

originally 4 bones (fuses to one by 30)

what are vertebrae separated by

intervertebral disks (made of fibrocartilage)

how many curves does a healthy spine have

4 curves (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral)

abnormal curvatures

text neck - cervical curvature disappears

kyphosis - hunchback, extreme thoracic curvature

lordosis - extreme lumbar curvature

scoliosis - sideways curvature of the entire spin