Vertebral Column

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)

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