Vertebral Column & Thoracic Cage

Question 1

What is the common name of the vertebral column?

Answer 1

Spine

Question 2

How many vertebrae is the vertebral composed of?

Answer 2

Total of 24 vertebrae

Question 3

Dividing by cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections, how many vertebrae are in each? (3)

Answer 3

7 in the cervical (neck)
12 in the thoracic
5 in the lumbar

Question 4

How many fused bones are in the sacral curvature?

Answer 4

5 fused

Question 5

How many fused bones are in the coccyx?

Answer 5

4 fused

Question 6

What are 3 types of abnormal spine curvatures and what is the descriptor for each? (3)

Answer 6

1. Scoliosis → curved to the side
2. Kyphosis → outward curve (hunchback)
3. . Lordosis → inward curve

Question 7

What is the thoracic cage composed of? (3)

Answer 7

1. Sternum
2. Ribs
3. Thoracic vertebrae

Question 8

What is the function of the thoracic cage?

Answer 8

Surround and protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity (heart, lungs, major blood vessels)

Question 9

What are the 3 types of ribs and the descriptor for each? (3)

Answer 9

1. True ribs → attached directly to the sternum by costal cartilage
2. False ribs → attached indirectly to the sternum or not attached at all
3. Floating ribs → lack sternal attachments

Question 10

How many of each type of rib are there? (3)

Answer 10

1. True ribs = 7
2. False ribs = 5
3. Floating ribs = 2

Question 11

Define: intercostals

Answer 11

Space between the ribs

Question 12

What is the purpose of intercostals?

Answer 12

To aid in breathing

Question 13

What is the function of costal cartilage?

Answer 13

Costal cartilage attaches the ribs to the sternum

Question 14

What shape of bone is the sternum composed of?

Answer 14

Flat bones

Question 15

How many fused bones are in the sternum and which bones are they? (4)

Answer 15

1. Fused bones = 3
2. Manubrium
3. Body
4. Xiphoid process

Question 16

How is the sternum attached to the ribs and how many is it attached to? (2)

Answer 16

1. Attached directly via the costal cartilage

2. Seven pairs of ribs

Question 17

List the 3 important, bony “landmarks”. (3)

Answer 17

1. Jugular notch
2. Sterna angle
3. Xiphisternal joint