1. The Axial Skeleton
Chapter 8

2. 1- Name the regions of the vertebral column, and number of vertebrae in each segment
2- Identify the distinguishing characteristics of vertebrae from each spinal column segment
Learning Targets

3. Divisions of the Skeletal System
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

4. Divisions of the Skeletal System
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

5. Vertebral Column Also called the spine, backbone, or spinal column
Functions to:
Protect the spinal cord
Support the head
Serve as a point of attachment for the ribs, pelvic girdle, and muscles
The vertebral column is curved to varying degrees in different locations
Curves increase the column strength
Help maintain balance in the upright position
Absorb shocks during walking, and help protect the vertebrae from fracture
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

6. Vertebral Column
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

7. Bones of the Spine

8. Vertebral Column
Various conditions may exaggerate the normal curves of the vertebral column
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Scoliosis
Composed of a series of bones called vertebrae (Adult=26)
7 cervical are in the neck region
12 thoracic are posterior to the thoracic cavity
5 lumbar support the lower back
1 sacrum consists of five fused sacral vertebrae
1 coccyx consists of four fused coccygeal vertebrae
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

9. Vertebral Column
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

10. Overview of vertebral column

11. Vertebral Column (Intervertebral Discs)
Found between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae
Functions to:
Form strong joints
Permit various movements of the vertebral column
Absorb vertical shock
Vertebrae typically consist of:
A Body (weight bearing)
A vertebral arch (surrounds the spinal cord)
Several processes (points of attachment for muscles)
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

12. Take out your notebook and lay-out your notes as follows (use the whole page):
Feature
Cervical
thoracic
Lumbar
General
Location
Body
Foreman
Spinous process
Transverse process

13. Vertebral Column (Regions)
Cervical Region
Cervical vertebrae (C1–C7)
The atlas (C1) is the first cervical vertebra
The axis (C2) is the second cervical vertebra
Thoracic Region
Thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12)
Articulate with the ribs
Lumbar Region
Lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5)
Provide for the attachment of the large back muscles
Sacrum
The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the union of five sacral vertebrae (S1–S5)
Serves as a strong foundation for the pelvic girdle
Coccyx
The coccyx, like the sacrum, is triangular in shape
It is formed by the fusion of usually 3-5 coccygeal vertebrae
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

14. Vertebral Column-a look at terms
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

15. Vertebral Column-cervical
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

16. Cervical Vertebrae Feature Cervical thoracic Lumbar General Location
Neck
Body --
Foreman
Transverse and vertebral
Spinous process
Slender and bifid
Transverse process
small

17. Vertebral Column-cervical
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

18. Diagram and label C1 (atlas)
Go to the link (“labeling the vertebrae”) found in Quia.
1. On the right hand side of the page, choose “Atlas C1 (superior view).”
2. Following the instructions, diagram and label the atlas.
3. Go to “test yourself” and test for understanding.
4. If you finish before your peers, work on the “axis.”
Diagram and label C1 (atlas)

19. Vertebral Column-thoracic
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

20. Thoracic Vertebrae Feature Cervical thoracic Lumbar General Location
Neck
Chest
Body --
Heart-shaped
Foreman
Transverse and vertebral
Vertebral
Spinous process
Slender and bifid
Long and slender-points inferiorly
Transverse process
small
10/12 have facets for rib articulations

21. Vertebral Column-thoracic
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

22. Diagram and label C1 (atlas)
Go to the link (“labeling the vertebrae”) found in Quia.
1. On the right hand side of the page, choose “Thoracic vertebra(superior view).”
2. Following the instructions, diagram and label the atlas.
3. Go to “test yourself” and test for understanding.
4. If you finish before your peers, work on the “Thoracic vertebra inferior and lateral views.”
Diagram and label C1 (atlas)

23. Vertebral Column-lumbar
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

24. Lumbar Vertebrae Feature Cervical thoracic Lumbar General Location
Neck
Chest
Lower back
Body --
Heart-shaped
Oval-shaped
Foreman
Transverse and vertebral
Vertebral
Vertebral (smaller)
Spinous process
Slender and bifid
Long and slender-points inferiorly
Broad, flat, blunt
Transverse process
small
10/12 have facets for rib articulations
Short, narrower, not articular facets

25. Vertebral Column-sacrum and coccyx
Copyright 2009, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.