1. The Axial Skeleton Part 2: The Spine and Ribcage

2. The Vertebral Column Vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs
The spine has a normal curvature
Each vertebrae is given a name according to its location
Cervical (C1-C7)
Thoracic (T1-T12)
Lumbar (L1-L5)

3. The Vertebral Column Sacrum: 5 fused vertebrae
Intersects with the hip bones
Supports weight of upper body
Coccyx:
4 fused vertebrae
Smallest bone in spine
Remnant of tail in most mammals
Bears body weight while sitting and anchors muscles

4. The Vertebral Column Vertebral Foramen: Spinous Process
Opening for the spinal cord to pass through
Spinous Process
Serve as an attachment place for muscles

5. Scoliosis Abnormal curvature of the spine
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Can be congenital (present at birth) or result from disease, poor posture, or unequal muscle pull on the spine

6. The Bony Thorax (Ribcage)
Made up of three parts:
Sternum
Ribs
Thoracic vertebrae
Ribs connected to sternum by cartilage

7. The Bony Thorax True Ribs: False Ribs:
First 7 pairs attach to the sternum
False Ribs:
Lower 5 pairs do not directly connect to the sternum
The upper three false ribs connect to the costal cartilages of the ribs just above them.
Last 2 however, have no ventral attachment (no anchor at all in front) and are called floating, fluctuating or vertebral ribs.