WEEK 1 - REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPICAL VERTEBRAE

Question 1

Cervical Vertebra

Answer 1

Body: Small.
Spinous Process: Bifid processes (for more muscle attachment)
Transverse Process: Short, transverse foramen for vertebral artery.
Articular Facets: Oblique orientation (for movement in all 3 planes.)

Question 2

Thoracic Vertebra

Answer 2

Body: Costal facets on body (for articulation with ribs)
Spinous Process: Inferior projection.
Transverse Process: Costal facets
Articular Facets: Posteriorly facing to limit flexion, allow movement in coronal plane.

Question 3

Lumbar Vertebra

Answer 3

Body: Large for weight bearing
Spinous Process: Short, blunt and quadrangular in shape.
Transverse Process: Long and tapering (large surface area for larger muscles.)
Articular Facets: In sagittal plane.

Question 4

Sacrum

Answer 4

Body: Large and fused.
Spinous Process: Fused.
Transverse Process: Fused and enlarged to create lateral mass for SI joint.
Articular Facets: n/a