Vertebral Column/Spinal Column (General Characteristics of the Vertebral Column, Spinal Column Measurements, and Functions of the Vertebral Column Flashcards
What is the number of vertebrae in a typical adult?
26 segments
What is the number of vertebrae in a typical spine?
24 segments
What constitutes the spine?
The 24 presacral segments; the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae
Which mammals have more than seven cervical vertebrae?
The ant bear and three toed sloth
Which mammals have less than seven cervical vertebrae?
The manatee and two toed sloth
What other term is often used to identify the vertebral segments of the chest?
The dorsal segments; the dorsals
What does the term “lumbar” refer to?
The loin; the region between the rib and the hip
What does the term “sacrum” refer to?
The holy bone or holy region
What does the term “coccyx” refer to?
A cuckoo birds’ bill or cuckoo birds’ beak
What is the length of a typical male spinal column?
About 70 centimeters or 28 inches
What is the length of a typical female spinal column?
About 60 centimeters or 25 inches
What is the length difference between a typical male and typical female spinal column?
About 3 inches
What is the length of the male cervical region (both measurements)?
About 12 centimeters
What is the length of the male thoracic region (both measurements)?
About 28 centimeters or 11 inches
What is the length of the male lumbar region (both measurements)?
About 18 centimeters or 7 inches
What is the length of the male sacrum (both measurements)?
About 12 centimeters or 5 inches
How does the vertebral column participate in skeletal formation?
Ribs are formed from the costal process of the embryonic vertebral template
What levels of the vertebral column specifically accommodate weight bearing transfer?
S1-S3 at the auricular surface
Distinguish between motion and locomotion.
Motion is movement without travel; locomotion is movement to a new site or location
What organ(s) is(are) specifically associated with the horizontal axis of the skull?
The eye and the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear
