Vertebral column
What is one function of the vertebral column?
Protects the spinal cord in vertebral canal, supports head and trunk, and permits many types of movements.
What is the function of Atlas (C1)?
Supports the head.
How many vertebras are in the thoracic region?
12.
How many vertebra is in the lumbar region?
5.
What is the shape of the structure of the sacrum?
Triangular.
What are the four curvatures of the vertebral column?
Cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
What is the function of the bifid spinous processes?
They provide attachment sites for muscles.
True or false: Thoracic vertebrae are smaller than cervical vertebrae.
False.
In which part of the back are the lumbar vertebrae located?
In the small or lower part of the back (loin).
How many fused vertebrae make up the coccyx?
4
State four parts of a typical vertebra.
Body, pedicles, laminae, spinous process, transverse processes, vertebral foramen, facets, superior and inferior articular processes.
What is special about the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae?
They have transverse foramina.
What is special about the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae?
They are long and pointed.
What is one characteristic that distinguishes the lumbar vertebrae than the superior vertebrae?
They are more wight-bearing and have larger and stronger bodies.
What is the function of the posterior sacral foramina?
It allows nerves and blood vessels to pass through.
What are the vertebrae connected and separated by?
Vertebrae is connected to one another by ligaments and separated by the intervertebral disks.
What is the function of the transverse foramina?
They provide passageways for arteries that led to the brain.
What do the thoracic vertebrae articulate with?
The ribs.
Are the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae thinner or thicker comparing to other types or vertebrae?
They are thicker.
What is the coccyx attached to?
It is attached to the margins of the sacral hiatus through ligaments.
Through what part of the vertebra does the spinal cord pass?
Vertebral foramen
What is the vertebra prominens?
The spinous process of the seventh vertebra (longer than others)
What are the facets on the sides of the thoracic vertebrae used for?
They are used for articulation with rib heads to make the thoracic cage.
Are the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae thinner or thicker than other vertebrae?
They are thinner.
What is the median sacral crest?
a ridge of tubercles that results from the fusion of the spinous processes of these bones.