The Vertebral Column Vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs

The Vertebral Column · Vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs · The spine has a normal curvature · Each vertebrae is given a name according to its location Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings Figure 5. 14 Slide 5. 28

Vertebral column **Breakfast, lunch, and supper: 7 cervical vertebrae 12 thoracic 5 lumbar 1 sacrum (5 fused) 1 coccyx (4 fused) *Vertebrae vary in size and morphology

Cervical Vertebrae 1. These seven bones are the smallest of the vertebrae that comprise the neck and support the head. 2. The first vertebra is the atlas, which appears as a bony ring and supports the head. 3. The second vertebra is the axis, and assists in rotation of the head.

Thoracic Vertebrae 1. Twelve thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs. 2. These bones are larger and stronger than the cervical vertebrae.

Lumbar Vertebrae The five massive lumbar vertebrae support the weight of the body.

SACRUM & 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.

Structure of a Typical Vertebrae Figure 5. 16 Copyright © 2003 Pearson Education, Inc.

THORACIC CAGE • Thoracic cage: - 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 1. Normally, there are 12 pairs of ribs that attach to the thoracic vertebrae. 2. The first seven pairs of ribs are true (or vertebrosternal) ribs that join the sternum directly by their costal cartilages. 3. The remaining five pairs are false ribs: the first three pairs are vertebrochondral ribs, and the last two pairs are floating ribs (vertebral ribs). • How many pairs of ribs do men have? Women?

Sternum Three parts: • Manubrium – first rib attaches here • Body • Xyphoid process • Vertebral column and bony thorax worksheet.