Cervical (7) – Neck region Thoracic (12) – Upper back, each vertebra connected to a rib Lumbar (5) – Lower back, supports most body weight

sacrum-Formed by the fusion of several vertebrae at the distal end; connects the spine to the pelvis

• Coccyx (Tailbone) – A small, rudimentary structure formed from fused vertebrae; a vestige of a tail

Lumbar Lordosis: Excessive inward curvature can cause lower back pain.

Clavicle (Collarbone)

• S-shaped bone located horizontally across the upper chest.

• Connects the sternum (medially) to the scapula (laterally).

• Acts as a strut to keep the upper limb away from the thorax, allowing for greater mobility.
  Clavicle Fractures: Commonly fractured due to falls on an outstretched arm.

  Scapula (Shoulder Blade)

  • Flat, triangular bone on the posterior side of the thoracic cage.

  • Glenoid Cavity: Articulates with the humerus to form the shoulder joint.

  • Provides attachment points for muscles like the rotator cuff.
    

Pectoral Girdle (Shoulder Girdle)

Function: Connects the bones of the upper limbs to the axial skeleton and facilitates a wide range of motion.

 Primary Role: Supports arm movement and provides attachment points for muscles involved in shoulder, arm, and chest movement.

Key Components:

Clavicle (Collarbone)

Scapula (Shoulder Blade)

Humerus: arm bone

• Radius: forearm bone

• Ulna: beside forearm bone, smaller

• Carpals: wrist bones, 8

• Metacarpals: five bones of palm

• Phalanges: 14 finger bones
  Femur (Thighbone)

  Longest and strongest bone in the human body.

  • Proximal end: Articulates with the hip (acetabulum).

  • Distal end: Articulates with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint.

  Key Features:

  • Head of femur – fits into the hip socket - acetabulum 

  • Greater and lesser trochanters – attachment sites for muscles.