Vertebral column Flashcards
cervical
top 7 vertebrae of the neck. first two bones are the atlis and axis. this forms the pivot joint in the neck and allows the head to move freely.
throracic
the 12 vertebrae of the mid-spine. they are bigger than the cervical and attach the ribs which protect the heart and lungs. they attach the muscles of the back.
sacral
the 5 fused vertebrae which form the sacrum. it helps form the wall of the pelvis (forms the back section of the pelvic girdles). it also supports the weight of the vertebrae.
coccyx
the 4 fused vertebrae which forms the coccyx. it has no function.
functions of the vertebral column
- protects spinal chord
- supports rib cage (thoracic)
- supports body weight (lumbar)
- offers attachment for muscles in the back
- invertebral discs receive and distribute impact (reducing shock)
lumbar
the 5 largest vertebrae of the mid-spine. they are the biggest of the moveable vertebrae. they support the weight of the other vertebrae and attach the muscles of the lower back. the discs produce a concave appearance