Vertebral Column and Thoracic Cage Axial Skeleton-Trunk Vertebral Column and Thoracic Cage
Thoracic cage Surrounds the thoracic and upper abdominal cavities Includes the ribs, thoracic vertebrae, sternum, and costal cartilages
Vertebral Column Consists of 26 bones Extends from the head to the coccyx Composed of vertebrae Separated by cartilaginous disks Held together with ligaments
Types of Vertebrae Cervical (Atlas and Axis have a unique structure) small body transverse foramina bifid spinous processes
Types of Vertebrae cont. Thoracic long spinous processes rib facets
Types of Vertebrae cont. Lumbar large bodies thick, short spinous processes
Types of Ribs True ribs (7 pairs) False ribs (3 pairs) Connected to the sternum in the front False ribs (3 pairs) are attached in front to the cartilaginous portion of the next rib above Floating ribs (2 pairs) are not attached to the sternum or cartilage at all