1. Vertebral Column and Thoracic Cage Notes

2. Vertebral Column 33 bones in infants 26 bones in adults 5 sections:
Cervical (7 bones)
Thoracic (12 bones)
Lumbar (5 bones)
Sacrum (5 fused bones)
Coccyx (4 fused bones)

4. Vertebral Curvatures Primary – those present at birth: thoracic pelvic
Secondary – develop
after birth:
cervical – develops as
baby holds head up
lumbar – develops as child
begins to stand

5. Features of Typical Vertebrae
body – for support
intervertebral arch – for articulation of next vertebrae
sup. & inf. articulating processes – for articulation w/vert.
above or below

6. Features of Typical Vertebrae
rib facet – for articulation w/ribs transverse process- for muscle attachment; project laterally

7. spinous process - sharp projection for muscle attachment
projects posteriorly
lamina – 2 plates that fuse to become spinous process
pedicle – projection from body
vertebral foramen – opening for s.c.
intervertebral disc – composed of cartilage for cushion

8. Features of Atlas (C1) Atlas – supports skull
Fovea dentis – notch for dens
Facet for articulation w/occipital condyles
No body

9. Features of Axis (C2) Axis – pivot point Dens (odontoid
process); fits into
C1 for rotation
of the skull

10. Cervical Vertebrae (7) Features: smallest most dense
transverse foramina – for arteries to brain
bifid (forked) spinous process (C2-C5)- (for muscle attachment)
C7 –
vertebra
prominens
(landmark)

11. Thoracic Vertebrae (12) Features: larger than cervical
long spinous process
projects posteriorly
and inferiorly
facets for ribs

12. Lumbar Vertebrae (5) Features: Largest, strongest bodies
Transverse process
thinner & project laterally
Spinous process
short, thick, nearly
horizontal

13. Sacrum & Coccyx
Sacrum – triangular-shaped bone at base of vert. column
Consists of 5 fused vertebrae
Sacral foramen – for b.v. & nerves
Sacral canal – s.c. travels through
Sacral hiatus – where spinal cord exits
Coccyx (tailbone) – consists of 4 fused vertebrae

14. Thoracic Cage Includes ribs, thoracic vert.,
sternum & costal cartilage
Support upper limbs,
protect organs & aid in
breathing
Sternum – 3 parts:
manubrium
body
xiphoid process

15. Features of Sternum Sternal angle – union of manubrium & body; at 2nd
rib (anatomic landmark)
Clavicular notch – junction
of clavicle & sternum
Sternal puncture – aspiration
of red marrow for diagnosis

16. Ribs – 12 pair 3 types: vertebrosternal- true ribs (1st 7pair)
vertebrochondral –
false ribs (next 3 pr.)
vertebral – floating (last pair)

17. Male vs. Female Pelvis Female Structure (All related to
female pelvis functioning as a birth
canal):
Iliac bones more flared
Angle of pubic arch greater
> distance b/t ischial
spines
Sacral curvature shorter
& wider
Bones lighter