2. The vertebral column usually consists of
33 vertebrae:
 24 presacral vertebrae
7 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
The 24 presacral vertebrae allow movement
and hence render the vertebral column flexible.
Stability is provided by ligaments, muscles, and
the form of the bones.

3.  followed by the sacrum
5 fused sacral vertebrae
 the coccyx
4 frequently fused coccygeal
vertebrae

4. The adult vertebral column
presents four
anteroposterior curvatures:
thoracic and sacral, both
concave anteriorly (inwards)
known as kyphosis, and
cervical and lumbar, both
concave
posteriorly (outwards)
known as lordosis

6. Spinal curves provide architectural
strength and support the spine
Distribute vertical pressure on the
spine
Balance the weight of the body
If the spine were absolutely
straight, it would be more likely to
collapse under the pressure of the
weight of the body

7. Between each of the two bones the
space is supplemented by pads of
fibro-cartilage called the
invertebral discs.
 The vertebrae are held together by
ligaments which prevent their
dislocation, but permit a degree of
movement, making the backbone
flexible.

8.  Scoliosisis an abnormal curving of the spine. It
runs straight down your back. People with
scoliosis have a spine that curves too much. The
spine might look like the letter “C” or “S.”
exaggerated thoracic curvature

9.  Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that
causes a bowing or rounding of the
back, which leads to a hunchback or
slouching posture. The vertebral column
is displace laterally.

11.  The vertebral body is the
main portion of the vertebra.
It bears about 80% of the load
while standing and provides
an attachment for
the discs between the
vertebrae. The front or
anterior section of the
vertebral body protects the
spinal cord and nerve roots.
Both the vertebral body and
the discs increase in size from
the head to the sacrum.

12.  Thelamina is is the roof of the spinal canal
that provides support and protection for the
backside of the spinal cord

13.  Each vertebra has two
cylinder-shaped
projections (pedicles) of
hard bone that stick out
from the back part of the
vertebral body, providing
side protection for the
spinal cord and nerves.
The pedicles also serve as
a bridge, joining the front
and back parts of the
vertebra.

14.  Thebumps that can be felt
down the back are the spinous
processes. They are bony
projections that arise at right
angles (perpendicular) to the
midline of the lamina. Each
spinous process is attached to
the spinous process above and
below it by ligaments.

15.  The transverse processes are
located at right angles to the
junction of pedicles and the
lamina. They provide a place
for the back muscles to attach
to the spine.

16.  The vertebral foramen is a
bony tunnel surrounding
the spinal cord. It is made
up of the front (anterior)
of the vertebral body, the
pedicles on the sides of the
vertebral body and the
lamina in the back. In the
lower back it not only
contains the spinal cord, it
also contains the nerve
roots of the lower spine.

17.  one on each side of
the neural arch that
projects upward and
articulates with an
inferior articular
process of the next
more cranial
vertebra

19.  Seven cervical vertebrae form the neck or cervical
region.
 The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of the
bones
 The first cervical vertebra is called atlas. It is
almost ring like. It provides up and down or nodding
movement to the skull on it.
 The second cervical vertebra is termed as axis. Its
centrum bears an odontoid process, which allows
side to side or turning movement to the atlas and
skull together on it.

21.  The bodies of other cervical vertebrae are
small and oblong in shape broader from side
to side than from backward.
 The neural arch is large. The spinous
processes are divided or bifid terminally.
 The transverse processes are perforated by
foramina for the passage of the vertebral
arteries. Thus this important blood vessel is
protected as it passes through the vulnerable
region of the neck.

23.  These are 12 in number
 larger than the cervical vertebrae
 increase in size as they extend downwards.
 A typical thoracic vertebra has a heart-shaped body
with facets on each for attachment of the ribs.
 The neural arch is relatively small
 the spinous process is long and is directed
downwards
 the transverse processes which help to support the
ribs are thick and strong and carry particular facets
for the ribs.

25.  These are 5 in number and are located in
the abdomen.
 These are the largest vertebrae
consisting of a very large body which are
kidney shaped.
 The spinous process is broad and hatchet-
shaped.
 The transverse processes are long and
slender.

27.  These are 5 in number and are placed in
the lower part of the vertebral
column, forming the back of the pelvic
cavity (sacral vertebrae)
 These are 4 in number and occur in the
vestigial tail. They are very
small, rudimentary and fused to form a
curved, triangular bone, the coccyx or tail
bone. (coccygeal vertebrae)

30. #’s 1&2. The organs protected by the thoracic cage include the lungs and the heart.
Thoracic Cage
 made up of 24 bones arranged
in 12 pairs.
 These bones are divided into
three groups: true ribs, false
ribs and floating ribs.
 often called the "rib cage"
because they form a kind of
cage that encloses the upper
body.
 This cage gives the chest its
familiar barrel-like shape
 They protect the heart and
lungs and major blood vessels
in the chest.
 Ribs also protect parts of the
stomach, spleen, and kidneys.

31. #’s 3-5
 True ribs (vertebrosternal) – ribs 1 through 7
 False ribs (vertebrochondral) – ribs 8 through 12
 Floating - ribs 11 and 12
True ribs False ribs
•They include ribs 8-12.
•The first seven •no direct attachment to the sternum
bones •attached to the lowest true rib that provides
connection to the sternum.
•These bones are
connected to the Ribs 8-10
- have their cartilages attached to the costal
spine (the cartilage of rib 7 (vertebrochondral):
backbone) in back. Ribs 11-12 (floating ribs)
•In the front, the -attached posteriorly to the vertebrae
-do not attach to cartilage and thus are considered
true ribs are “floating ribs”
connected
directly to the

33. #’s 6-7. All ribs articulate posteriorly with the thoracic
vertebrae, and most connect anteriorly to the
sternum, either directly or inderectly
POSTERIOR VIEW ANTERIOR VIEW

34. manubrium
body sternum
Xiphoid
process