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Questions and Answers
Which vertebrae have heart-shaped bodies?
Which vertebrae have heart-shaped bodies?
What is a characteristic of the vertebral foramen in T1-T12?
What is a characteristic of the vertebral foramen in T1-T12?
What is the shape of the bodies of lumbar vertebrae?
What is the shape of the bodies of lumbar vertebrae?
Which vertebrae have costal facets?
Which vertebrae have costal facets?
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Which vertebrae have the largest bodies?
Which vertebrae have the largest bodies?
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What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in L1-L5?
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in L1-L5?
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Which direction do the superior articular processes of L1-L5 face?
Which direction do the superior articular processes of L1-L5 face?
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Which direction do the inferior articular processes of L1-L5 face?
Which direction do the inferior articular processes of L1-L5 face?
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What is a characteristic of the spinous processes of T1-T12?
What is a characteristic of the spinous processes of T1-T12?
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Which vertebrae have the thickest bodies?
Which vertebrae have the thickest bodies?
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How many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?
How many vertebrae make up the vertebral column?
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What is the main function of the vertebral column?
What is the main function of the vertebral column?
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How many bones make up the cranium?
How many bones make up the cranium?
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What is the main function of the spinal cord?
What is the main function of the spinal cord?
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How many pairs of cranial nerves emerge from the brain?
How many pairs of cranial nerves emerge from the brain?
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What is a symptom of a skull fracture?
What is a symptom of a skull fracture?
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What is a type of skull fracture?
What is a type of skull fracture?
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What can cause a skull fracture?
What can cause a skull fracture?
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Study Notes
The Axial Skeleton
- Forms the longitudinal axis of the body
- Comprises 80 bones
- Includes the skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage, and associated bones
The Skull
- Protects the brain and entrances to the respiratory and digestive systems
- Comprises 22 bones
- 8 cranial bones form the braincase or cranium
- 14 facial bones protect and support the entrances to the digestive and respiratory tracts
The Cranial Bones
- The occipital bone forms the posterior and inferior surfaces of the cranium
- Articulates with the parietal, temporal, sphenoid bones, and the first cervical vertebra (atlas)
- Marks include the external occipital protuberance and external occipital crest
The Vertebral Column
- Comprises 24 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar)
- Vertebrae are numbered from top to bottom (C1-L5)
- The sacrum articulates with the fifth lumbar vertebra and the coccyx
- The vertebral column has four curvatures: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral
Vertebral Anatomy
- Intervertebral foramina are gaps between pedicles of adjacent vertebrae for nerve connections to the spinal cord
- The vertebral canal is formed by the vertebral foramina and encloses the spinal cord
- Intervertebral discs are pads of fibrous cartilage that separate the vertebral bodies and absorb shocks
Vertebral Regions
- The cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) have small bodies, large vertebral foramina, and concave superior surfaces
- The thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12) have heart-shaped bodies, larger bodies than C1-C7, and costal facets for articulation with ribs
- The lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) have oval-shaped bodies, thicker bodies than T1-T12, and no costal or transverse costal facets
Functions of the Axial Skeleton
- Supports and protects organs in body cavities
- Attaches to muscles of the head, neck, and trunk
- Involved in respiration and support for the appendicular skeleton
Vertebral Column
- The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae, divided into 5 regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.
- Each region has distinct characteristics: cervical is smallest and most flexible, thoracic is intermediate in size and flexibility, and lumbar is largest and least flexible.
- The vertebral column supports the weight of the head and body, protects the spinal cord and nerves, and allows for flexibility and movement.
Cranium Structure
- The cranium is composed of 22 bones, including 8 cranial bones and 14 facial bones.
- The cranium is divided into three parts: calvaria (skullcap), base of the skull, and face.
- The cranium protects the brain and sensory organs and provides a base for the face and facial expressions.
Spinal Cord
- The spinal cord extends from the base of the brain to the level of the second lumbar vertebra (L2).
- The spinal cord is protected by the vertebral column and meninges (three layers of connective tissue).
- The spinal cord transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body, controls involuntary actions, and interprets sensory information from the body.
Cranial Nerves
- There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emerge from the brain, controlling various functions, such as:
- Olfactory (I): smell
- Optic (II): vision
- Oculomotor (III): eye movement
- And others...
Skull Fractures
- There are four types of skull fractures: linear, depressed, basilar, and comminuted.
- Skull fractures can be caused by trauma, violence, or other means.
- Symptoms of skull fractures include headache, confusion or loss of consciousness, vomiting or nausea, seizures or convulsions, and clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears.
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Description
This quiz covers the anatomy of the axial skeleton, including the skull and its related structures.
