Cervical Vertebrae
- The first seven bones are the smallest vertebrae that comprise the neck and support the head.
- the first vertebra is the atlas, which appears as a bony ring and supports the head (up and down motions)
- The second vertebra is the axis, which assists with the head's rotations (side-to-side shake).
Thoracic Vertebrae
- Twelve vertebrae articulate with the ribs.
- These bones are larger and stronger than the cervical vertebrae.
Lumbar Vertebrae
- The five massive lumbar vertebrae support the weight of the body.
Sacrum and Coccyx
- The sacrum is a shield-shaped portion of 5 fused vertebrae forming the posterior part of the pelvic girdle.
- The coccyx is the lowermost portion of the vertebral column and is composed of four fused vertebrae.
Thoracic Cage
- Includes the:
- ribs
- thoracic vertebrae
- sternum
- costal cartilages
- Function: It supports the pectoral girdle and upper limbs, functions in breathing, and protects thoracic and upper abdominal organs.
Ribs
- Normally, 12 pairs of ribs attach to the thoracic vertebrae
- The first seven pairs of ribs are true (vertebrosternal) ribs that join the sternum directly by their costal cartilages.
- The remaining five pairs are false ribs:
- the first three pairs are vertebrochondral ribs
- the last two are floating ribs (vertebral ribs).
Sternum
- Three parts include:
- Manubrium - the first rib attaches here
- Body
- Xiphoid process (most bottom part pointy)