Axial Skeleton 2.2 Flashcards
What is the vertebral column also known as?
Spinal column
How many irregular shaped bones make up the vertebral column?
26 irregular shaped bones
What are the five regions of the vertebral column?
- Cervical spine
- Thoracic spine
- Lumbar spine
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
What is the term for the primary curvatures in a newborn’s spine?
C-shape
Which vertebrae articulate with the hip bones to form the pelvic girdle?
Sacrum
How many cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae are there?
- 7 cervical vertebrae
- 12 thoracic vertebrae
- 5 lumbar vertebrae
What are the two types of spinal curvatures?
- Concave
- Convex
What does scoliosis refer to?
Lateral curvature of the spine
What is kyphosis commonly known as?
Hunched back
What is the defining feature of the axis (C2) vertebra?
Dens
Which part of the vertebra is anterior?
Body
What is the function of intervertebral discs?
Shock absorbers
What are the components of a typical vertebra?
- Body
- Vertebral arch
- Vertebral foramen
What separates the vertebral bodies in the spine?
Intervertebral fibrocartilaginous discs
What is the number of fused vertebrae in the sacrum?
5 fused vertebrae
What are the three parts of the sternum?
- Manubrium
- Body
- Xiphoid process
How many pairs of ribs are in the thoracic cage?
12 pairs of ribs
What are true ribs?
Ribs 1-7 that attach directly to the sternum
What are false ribs?
Ribs 8-12 that attach indirectly to the sternum
What is the common name for ribs 11 and 12?
Floating ribs
What is the main function of the vertebral column?
Protects the spinal cord and supports the trunk
What is the structure that forms the vertebral canal?
Stacked vertebral foramina
What is the shape of the vertebral body in cervical vertebrae?
Small oval-shaped
What is the shape of the vertebral body in thoracic vertebrae?
Heart-shaped
What is the shape of the vertebral body in lumbar vertebrae?
Large rectangular
What allows the vertebral arteries to pass in cervical vertebrae?
Transverse foramen
What is the function of the rib cage?
Protects thoracic organs
What is the term for a slipped disc?
Herniated disc
What does the coccyx function to anchor?
Muscles of the pelvic region
What is the sternal angle an important landmark for?
Lies in front of the aortic arch
