The Vertibral Column Flashcards
What is the cervical spine?
This flexible group of vertebrae supports the skull and neck. The cervical spine functions to provide mobility and stability to the head while connecting it to the relatively immobile thoracic spine.
It is made up of 7 vertebrae.
What is the thoracic spine?
This rather ridged group of thoracic vertebrae hold the rib cage and protects the heart and lungs.
It is made up of 12 vertebrae.
What is the lumbar spine?
The main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body. This group is quite mobile.
It is made up of 5 vertebrae.
What is the sacrum/sacral?
Five sacral vertebrae fuse to form this single bone. The sacrum forms the pelvis by joining with the hip bones, which gives the spine a strong base of support.
What is the coccyx?
Consisting of 2-4 fused vertebrae, the coccyx is immobile and functionally insignificant.
