University:
Kentucky State University
Course:
BIO 301 | Human Anatomy
Academic year:

2020
Views:

366

Pages:

11
Author:

diamundgalx45p

The Vertebral Column   Also called the spine, backbone, or spinal column Functions to: Protect the spinal cord  Support the head  Serve as a point of attachment for the ribs, pelvic girdle, and muscles Composed of a series of bones called vertebrae (Adult=26)  7 cervical are in the neck region  12 thoracic are posterior to the thoracic cavity  5 lumbar support the lower back  1 sacrum consists of five fused sacral vertebrae  1 coccyx consists of four fused coccygeal vertebrae   The vertebral column is curved to varying degrees in different locations 1. Curves increase the column strength 2. Help maintain balance in the upright position 3. Absorb shocks during walking, and help protect the vertebrae from fracture  These curves are: 1. Cervical 2. Thoracic 3. Lumbar 4. Sacral  The Vertebrae: Intervertebral Discs (formed of fibrocartilage): Found between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae and function in: 1. Form strong joints 2. Permit various movements of the vertebral column 3. Absorb vertical shock  Parts of vertebrae: Vertebrae typically consist of: 1. A Body (weight bearing) 2. A vertebral arch (surrounds the spinal cord) 3. Several processes (points of attachment for muscles +) Differences between the typical vertebrae in the different regions: Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Body Vertebral Foramen Transverse Process Small and rectangular Large triangular Small with foramina Spinous Process Short and bifid (7th) Facets for the ribs Not present Large and heart-shaped Small round Large with no foramina Long and directed inferiorly Present Large and kidneyshaped Triangular Large with no foramina Broad and directed posteriorly Not present Cervical Region Cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) The atlas (C1) articulates with the skull (occipital) The axis (C2) has a vertical process (Odontoid or Dens) that extends superiorly to articulate with atlas  Odontoid process “Yes” “No” Thoracic Region Thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12) Articulate with the ribs Lumbar Region Lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5) Provide for the attachment of the large back muscles Sacrum The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the union of five sacral vertebrae (S1–S5) Serves as a strong foundation for the pelvic girdle Coccyx The coccyx, like the sacrum, is triangular in shape It is formed by the fusion of usually four coccygeal vertebrae The Thoracic Cage  Thoracic cage is formed by the:      Sternum Ribs Costal cartilages (attach ribs to sternum) Thoracic vertebrae Functions to:    Enclose and protect the organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities Provide support for the bones of the upper limbs Play a role in breathing The Sternum:  “Breastbone” located in the center of the thoracic wall  Consists of the manubrium, body, xiphoid process Angle of louis 2nd rib Level: T4&T5 Count ribs