On the osteological specimen of a typical vertebra identify the following structures: body, pedicle, lamina, transverse process, spinous process and articular surfaces

Question 1

Label this diagram

Answer 1

Question 2

Where are the articular surfaces on the various vertebrae?

Question 3

What are the characteristic features which are different between cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 3

CERVICAL

• Large, triangular vertebral foramen
• Bifid spinous process
• Transverse foramina
• Rectangular vertebral bodies with cocave superior and convex inferior surfaces

THORACIC

• Small, circular vertebral foramen
• Long, sloping spinous processes which overlap with the vertebrae below
• Long, strong posterolaterally extending transverse processes
• Columnar / heart shaped vertebral bodies

LUMBAR

• Medium, triangular foramen
• Short, blunt spinous processes
• Long and slender transverse processes that extend laterally
• Large columnar / kidney-shaped vertebral body