1. The
Vertebral Column

2. Consists of 33 vertebrae:
- 24 separate vertebrae
fused vertebrae
Each individual vertebrae is separated by intervertebral discs

3. Divisions of the Vertebral Column
Cervical (neck) – 7 vertebrae
Thoracic (chest) – 12 vertebrae
Lumbar (low back) – 5 vertebrae
Sacrum – 5 fused vertebrae
Coccyx (tailbone) – 3-5 fused

5. 4 Normal Curvatures:
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral

6. Curves in the fetus? Only one – concave anteriorly
Cervical develops at 3-4 months
Lumbar develops at about 1 year

8. Abnormal Vertebral Curves:
Kyphosis:
An increased roundness of the thoracic curve
“hunchback”

10. Lordosis:
Increased lumbar curvature
pregnancy and
“potbellies”

12. Scoliosis:
Abnormal lateral curvature

16. The Cervical Vertebrae
Atlas – 1st cervical vertebrae
Supports the head
Axis – 2nd cervical vertebrae
Has a process that projects into the ring of the atlas

17. The Thoracic Cage Protects the heart and lungs
Ribs – 12 pairs
- 7 upper connect to vertebrae and sternum
“true” ribs
- 5 lower do not connect directly to the sternum
“false” ribs

18. Sternum
- 3 parts:
1. Manubrium
2. Body
3. Xiphoid process