Untitled Flashcards Set

• Vertebral Column: backbone

  • Vertebrae separated by intervertebral disk

  • Sacrum: several fused vertebrae at the distal end

  • Coccyx: small, rudimentary tailbone

  • Consists of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs made of cartilage, which provide cushioning and flexibility.

    Functions: Supports the body’s weight, protects the spinal cord, and allows movement

• Thoracic Cage: protects organs of thoracic & upper abdominal cavities

  • Ribs: 12 pairs

  • Sternum:  to which most ribs are attached

• 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

 C1 (Atlas): Supports the skull and allows nodding motion (“yes” movement).

2. C2 (Axis): Contains the dens (odontoid process), allowing the head to rotate (“no” movement).

3. Bifid Spinous Processes (C2–C6): Forked tips that enhance muscle attachment.

4. Transverse Foramina: Openings that allow arteries to pass and supply blood to the brain.

Thoracic Spine (Upper and Mid-Back)

• Location: Middle portion of the vertebral column, between the cervical and lumbar spine.

• Number of Vertebrae: 12 vertebrae (T1–T12).

Key Functions:

• Structural Support: Maintains posture and supports the ribcage.

• Protection: Safeguards vital organs within the thoracic cavity (heart, lungs).

• Limited Mobility: Primarily designed for stability over flexibility due to rib attachments.

Thoracic Kyphosis: Excessive curvature leading to a hunched posture.\

lumbar spine

Location: Lower portion of the vertebral column, between the thoracic spine and sacrum.

Number of Vertebrae: 5 vertebrae (L1–L5).

Key Functions:

• Weight-Bearing: Supports most of the body’s weight.

• Mobility and Stability: Balances flexibility and strength for movements like bending and twisting.

• Shock Absorption: Intervertebral discs help absorb forces from daily activities.

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

Humerus: arm bone

• Radius: forearm bone

• Ulna: beside forearm bone, smaller

• Carpals: wrist bones, 8

• Metacarpals: five bones of palm

• Phalanges: 14 finger bones

pectoral 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)

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.
  

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

humerus-Longest and strongest bone of the upper limb.