1. Axial Skeleton: the Vertebral Column and Rib cage

2. Vertebral Column 26 bones: Vertebrae (24) Sacrum Coccyx (tailbone)
Functions:
- support head, neck & trunk
- protect spinal cord
- maintain upright body position

3. Vertebral Column
Consists of three main parts: cervical (C1-C7), thoracic (T1-T12), and lumbar (L1-L5) vertebrae

4. Vertebral Column The first cervical (C1) vertebrae is called the atlas
The second cervical (C2) vertebrae is called the axis
Atlas spins around its axis!

5. Special Features of Vertebrae
Transverse Process
Body
Spinous Process
Spinous Process
Vertebral Foramen

6. Distinction between vertebrae
Cervical vertebrae are flat, have smaller bodies, and a bifurcated (divides into two branches) spinous process
Thoracic vertebrae have thicker bodies and a spinous process that projects inferiorly
Lumbar vertebrae have the largest bodies and the shortest, thickest spinous process of all the vertebrae

7. The Thoracic Cage Function: - Protects heart and lungs Consists of:
Ribs
Sternum
Thoracic vertebrae

8. Ribs Aka Costa (12 pair) 1st 7 pairs = true ribs
Pairs 8-12 = false ribs because they do not attach directly to the sternum
Last two pairs (11 and 12) = floating ribs = do not touch sternum
Cartilage between ribs and sternum = costal cartilage

9. Ribs 1- Head of Rib 2- neck of rib 3- tubercle 4- costal cartilage
A tubercle is a projection at one end of a bone for the attachment of a muscle or tendon

10. Ribs True Ribs (1-7) Costal Cartilage Thoracic Vertebrae (T1)
Manubrium
True Ribs (1-7)
Sternum
Body
Xiphoid Process
Costal Cartilage
False Ribs
(8-12)
Floating Ribs (11-12)

11. Hyoid Bone Attaches tongue, voice-box, and throat
Only bone in body not directly attached (articulated) with another bone
Can be an indication of strangulation as cause of death. In children the greater horns have not fused to the body yet, so fractures may not always been seen even if strangulation occurs
*Fusion of hyoid rarely occurs before the age of 40