Vertebra (pl. Vertebrae)

Question 1

Body/ centrum (pl. centra)

Answer 1

• cylindrical shape
• contains left/right costal facets for articulation of ribs (at head/ capitulum)
• if rib articulates at inter-central junction of adjacent vertebrae, the facet may be split into a superior facet on one vertebra and inferior facet on the other (demifacet)

Question 2

Vertebral arch

Answer 2

Formed anteriorly by left/right pedicels and posteriorly by left/right laminae (s. Lamina) which join in the posterior midsagittal line

Question 3

Vertebral foramen

Answer 3

Formed by vertebral arch and posterior aspect of body/centrum contains the spinal cord in life

Question 4

Vertebral canal

Answer 4

Tube formed by the stack of vertebral foramina

Question 5

Intervertebral foramina

Answer 5

Left/right lateral openings from the vertebral canal, formed between adjacent center in the vertebral column, which allow spinal nerves to exit

Question 6

Spinous process

Answer 6

Projects posteriorly

Question 7

Transverse processes

Answer 7

Project left/right, contain costal facets for articulation of ribs (at tubercle/ tuberculum)

Question 8

Superior and inferior articular facets

Answer 8

• 2 each left/right

- connect to the adjacent vertebrae above/ below respectively