The Vertebral Column

Question 1

Describe the cervical vertebrae

Answer 1

• 7 bones
• situated in the neck
• the first vertebrae is the ATLAS BONE which supports the skull and forms a pivot joint with the second vertebrae, known as the AXIS. This pivot joint allows us to turn our heads from side to side.

Question 2

Describe the Atlas bone and the Axis

Answer 2

The Atlas bone is the first vertebrae in the cervical vertebrae. It attaches to the second vertebrae which is the Axis, forming a pivot joint, allowing us to turn our heads from side to side.

Question 3

Describe the thoracic vertebrae

Answer 3

• 12 bones
• situated between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae
• forms joints with ribs to produce the ribcage, which protects the heart and lungs as well as the abdominal organs
• the vertebrae get larger as they progress down the spine

Question 4

Describe the lumbar vertebrae

Answer 4

• 5 bones

- usually the culprit in lower back pain

Question 5

Describe the sacral vertebrae

Answer 5

• 5 bones ‘fused’
• the bones are fused to form the sacrum
• this joins together the two halves of the pelvis

Question 6

Describe the coccygeal

Answer 6

• 3-5 vertebrae, fused and attached to the bottom of the sacrum

Question 7

What are the four curves from top to bottom of the vertebral column and what do they do?

Answer 7

• cervical curve
• thoracic curve
• lumbar curve
• sacral curve
• they provide flexibility
• they distribute weight evenly
• they absorb impact from the lens

Question 8

What are the intervertebral discs?

Answer 8

• situated in between each intervertebral body
• prevent the vertebral bones rubbing
• allow some movement between vertebrae
• act as shock absorbers

Question 9

What are the three most common curvatures?

Answer 9

• kyphosis
• lordosis
• scoliosis

Question 10

Describe kyphosis

Answer 10

Characterised by a rounding/hump in the thoracic vertebrae, giving a slouched appearance. Can be caused by:

• genetics
• lifestyle/posture
• structural deformity of the spine (a congenital defect at birth or degenerative disease)

It causes shortened or lengthened muscles in the front and back of the upper body, mainly:

• pectorals (shortened)
• trapezius
• rhomboids (lengthened)

Question 11

Describe lordosis

Answer 11

Characterised by an inward curvature of the lumbar spine. Can be caused by poor posture and/or development problems during childhood or pregnancy.

Muscles affected:

• erector spinae (shortened)
• gluteus maximus (lengthened)
• hamstrings
• hip flexors (shortened)
• transverse abdominis (weakened)
• rectus abdominis (lengthened)

Question 12

Describe scoliosis

Answer 12

• a sideways or lateral curvature of the spine
• gives the appearance of an s-shape when observed from the front or back
• most commonly caused by a congenital defect but can also be caused by poor posture

Question 13

How many vertebrae are there in total and how are they split?

Answer 13

There are 33 vertebrae in total.

From top to bottom:

• cervical vertebrae (7 bones)
• thoracic vertebrae (12 bones)
• lumbar vertebrae (5 bones)
• sacral vertebrae (5 bones)
• coccygeal (3-5 bones)