2. The Vertebral Column Provides a column of support bearing weight of the head, neck, and trunk Transfers weight to the lower limbs of the appendicular skeleton Protects the spinal cord Helps maintain an upright body position

3. Vertebral column 26 bones 24 Vertebrae Cervical (7) Begins at neck and extends inferiorly to the trunk Thoracic (12) superior portion of the back Each articulates with one or more ribs

4. Vertebral Column Lumbar (5) Inferior portion of the back The 5th one articulates with the sacrum Sacrum (1)- articulates with the coccyx Coccyx (1) tailbone The sacrum and the Coccyx both originally start as separate vertebrae that fuse together throughout puberty and into early adulthood

5. Spinal Curvature There are 4 main curves in the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral). Most of our weight is anterior to the vertebral column, the curves bring the weight back in line with the axis of the body so that the weight can be transferred to your hips and then the lower limbs

7. Vertebral Anatomy Vertebral Body- transfers weight along axis of vertebral column, and are separated by intervertebral discs Vertebral Arch- Forms the vertebral canal which encloses the spinal cord, spinous process projects posteriorly, you can feel this in your back

8. Vertebral Anatomy Cont. Articular processes- allow muscles to attach to vertebra

10. Vertebral Regions A capital letter is used to identify region, and a number is used to indicate position within the region (1 is most cranial or superior) C, T, L, S, Co indicate region

11. Cervical Vertebrae Smallest, extend from occipital bone to the thorax Body is small compared with the size of the the vertebral foramen

12. Atlas and Axis (C1 and C2) Atlas C1- holds up the head, articulates with the occipital bone, which allows you to nod. Axis C2- Articulates with C1, this fusion is called the dens, and it allows for a pivoting motion

14. Thoracic Vertebrae (12) Distinct heart shaped body Have a smaller vertebral foramen Articulate with the ribs

17. Lumbar vertebrae Largest of the vertebrae, smaller vertebral foramen Bear most of the weight

19. Sacrum and Coccyx Sacrum consists of 5 fused bones that fuse shortly after puberty Protects the reproductive, digestive, and urinary organs Coccyx consists of 3-5 fused vertebrae that usually begin fusing by age 26 Provides an attachment site for muscles

21. Use pg. 216 to complete the following table