Vertebral Column

Question 0

Cervical vertebrae

Answer 0

# 1-7 (top to bottom) 
Cervical spine (C1-C7)

Form a flexible framework and provide support and motion for the head

Question 1

Vertebral column

Answer 1

“Backbone or spinal column”

Consists of serious of irregularly shaped bones - vertebrae that houses the spinal cord.

5 categories depending on location

Helps support head & arms. Provides attachment for muscles, ribs and some organs. Protects spinal cord.

Question 2

Thoracic vertebrae

Answer 2

Next 12 
Thoracic spine (T1-T12)

Located in upper and middle back
Move w/ ribs to form the rear anchor of the rib cage.
Larger than cervical vertebra and increase in size from top to bottom

Question 3

Lumbar vertebrae

Answer 3

Next 5
Lumbar spine (L1-L5)
Largest in spinal column
Support most of body’s weight, attached to many back muscles.
Often location of pain b/c they carry most of weight and subject to the largest forces and stress

Question 4

Sacrum

Answer 4

Triangular bone located just below the lumbar vertebrae.

Consists of 4-5 sacral vertebrae in a child, then fuse to 1 as an adult

Question 5

Intervertebral discs

Answer 5

Fibrous cartilage that act as shock absorbers and allow back to move.
Located in between the vertebrae
Allow to stand upright and maintain balance.

Question 6

Neutral spine

Answer 6

Optimal arrangement of curves

Vertebrae are under least amount of load

Adult spine has 3 major curvatures

Question 7

Major curvatures

Answer 7

Posterior cervical curvature

Anterior thoracic curvature

Posterior lumbar curvature