Module 4.1 Vertebral Column/Thoracic Cage

Question 1

Vertebral Column

Answer 1

• extends from skull to pelvis
• four curvatures
• provides more resilience & strength in an upright posture than a straight column could

Question 2

Vertebrae names

Answer 2

• cervical (neck) *7 vertebrae C1-C7
• thoracic (back, ribs) *12 vertebrae T1-T12
• lumbar (lower back) *5 vertebrae L1-L5
• sacrum *1 sacrum
• coccyx (tail) *one coccyx

Question 3

Spinous Processes

Answer 3

• located on the dorsal side vertebrae
• can be palpated (examined externally by touch)
• bony projections along the midline of the neck and back

Question 4

Articular Facets

Answer 4

-adjacent vertebrae to articulate w/each other

Question 5

Vertebral Body

Answer 5

• located on anterior portion

- part of the vertebrae w/most surface area

Question 6

Spinal Cord (in relation to vertebrae)

Answer 6

-protected in center of vertebrae -spinal nerves exit between vertebrae

Question 7

Cervical Vertebra

Answer 7

-7

• long spinous process with a bifid tip that splits into two parts posteriorly (except for C1)
• CV bodies are small
• vertebral foramen are large

Question 8

Transverse Processes (Cervical)

Answer 8

-have transverse foramina for the passage of vertebral arteries & vertebral veins

Question 9

Thoracic Vertebra

Answer 9

• 12
• has long, thin spinous process that doesnt split
• all contain facets for rib articulations except T11 and T12

spinous process points inferiorly

transverse processes also have costal facets for rib articulations

Ventral Bodies

• medium-sized
• contain facets for rib articulations

Question 10

Lumbar Vertebra

Answer 10

• shorter spinous process broader & points posteriorly
• vertebral bodies are the largest, enabling it to support the weight of the head, neck, trunk, and upper limbs
• transverse processes shorter & have no costal facets
• vertebral foramen are the smallest & triangular-shaped

Question 11

Sacrum

Answer 11

• five fused bones at base of the spine

- base of sacrum the widest portion

Question 12

Coccyx

Answer 12

• four to five fused vertebrae
• begin to fuse by around age 25

sacrum and coccyx provide attachment sites for many ligaments and tendons
-stability of sacrum, coccyx, and ligaments anchoring them to the pelvis *key for pelvic stability

Question 13

Ribs

Answer 13

• connect directly to thoracic vertebrae posteriorly
• Ribs 1-7 connect directly to sternum
• Ribs 8-10 connect to sternum indirectly (via shafts of cartilage to the sternum)

Question 14

Floating Ribs

Answer 14

• lower two pairs of ribs (ribs 11 and 12)

- do not attach to the sternum

Question 15

Sternum

Answer 15

three parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process

Question 16

Intervertebral Disk

Answer 16

• lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column
• Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint to allow slight movement of vertebrae
• high water content
• provides cushion & stability
• weaken w/age due to loss of water content