Skeletal System: the spine Learning Target #5
Vertebral Column Adults have 26 total vertebrae, found in 5 divisions: Cervical = 7 in the neck (C1 – C7) Thoracic = 12 in the chest (T1 – T12) Lumbar = 5 in the lower back (L1 – L5) Sacrum = 5 fused together Coccyx = 4 fused together (also called the tailbone)
Curvatures of the Spine The S-shape (anterior-posterior curvatures) of the adult spine help to… Prevent shock to the head in walking and running Makes the trunk of the body flexible A developing fetus only has one concave curve Adults have 4 curves: Cervical and lumbar = convex Thoracic and sacral = concave
Curvatures of the Spine Cervical (7) (concave) Thoracic (12) (convex) Lumbar (5) (concave) Sacrum (5) (concave) Coccyx (4)
Basic Vertebral Structure Body = thick, disc-shaped portion; bears most of the weight Vertebral arch = extends behind the body Vertebral foramen = space between the body and the vertebral arch Processes = things that stick off the vertebrae Transverse process = extend laterally (2) Spinous process = extend behind and down Lamina = portion of arch that connects the processes
Basic Vertebral Structure Spinous Process Lamina Transverse Process Vertebral Foramen Body
Intervertebral Discs Made of fibrocartilage Functions: Absorb shock Protect the spinal cord Allow for flexibility of the spine Each disc has two major regions: a central gelatinous region that behaves like a fluid and an outer ring of collagen fibers that stabilizes the disc
How do we move our heads? Atlas = C1 vertebrae Axis = C2 vertebrae Supports the head Lacks a body and a spinous process Contains superior articular facets that articulate with the occipital condyles allows us to nod our heads Axis = C2 vertebrae Does not have a body Odontoid process projects upward through the ring of the atlas makes a pivot on which the head can rotate from side to side
How do we move our heads? Odontoid process
Irregular Curvatures of the Spine Scoliosis = lateral curve 80% of cases have no known cause, but can be genetic Kyphosis = exaggerated thoracic curve Caused by osteoporosis and disc degeneration Lordosis = exaggerated lumbar curve Also caused by osteoporosis and associated with obesity