The Vertebral Column
Consists of 33 vertebrae: - 24 separate vertebrae - 8-10 fused vertebrae Each individual vertebrae is separated by intervertebral discs
Divisions of the Vertebral Column Cervical (neck) – 7 vertebrae Thoracic (chest) – 12 vertebrae Lumbar (low back) – 5 vertebrae Sacrum – 5 fused vertebrae Coccyx (tailbone) – 3-5 fused
4 Normal Curvatures: Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Sacral
Curves in the fetus? Only one – concave anteriorly Cervical develops at 3-4 months Lumbar develops at about 1 year
Abnormal Vertebral Curves: Kyphosis: An increased roundness of the thoracic curve “hunchback”
Lordosis: Increased lumbar curvature pregnancy and “potbellies”
Scoliosis: Abnormal lateral curvature
The Cervical Vertebrae Atlas – 1st cervical vertebrae Supports the head Axis – 2nd cervical vertebrae Has a process that projects into the ring of the atlas
The Thoracic Cage Protects the heart and lungs Ribs – 12 pairs - 7 upper connect to vertebrae and sternum “true” ribs - 5 lower do not connect directly to the sternum “false” ribs
Sternum - 3 parts: 1. Manubrium 2. Body 3. Xiphoid process