Human Anatomy: Vertebral Column Quiz

Axial Skeleton

• The skeleton is divided into two parts: appendicular and axial.
• Appendicular skeleton includes bones of upper and lower limbs, pectoral and pelvic girdles.
• Axial skeleton includes cranium, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Vertebral Column

• Physically supports the skull and trunk.
• Allows for movement of skull and trunk.
• Protects the spinal cord.
• Absorbs stresses from walking, running, and lifting.
• Provides attachment for limbs, thoracic cage, and postural muscles.
• Consists of 33 vertebrae.
• Includes cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic curvatures.
• Primary curvatures are thoracic and pelvic, and occur in a C-shape.
• Secondary curvatures are cervical and lumbar.
• Primary curvatures develop before birth.
• Secondary curvatures develop after birth.

Abnormal Spinal Curvatures

• Scoliosis: abnormal lateral deviation.
• Kyphosis: exaggerated thoracic curvature (common in old age).
• Lordosis: exaggerated lumbar curvature (common in pregnancy and obesity).

General Structure of a Vertebra

• Vertebral body: mass of spongy bone bearing the weight.
• Vertebral foramen: forms the vertebral canal.
• Vertebral arch: pedicle + lamina.
• Spinous process: prominent prominence.
• Transverse process: protrusion between lamina and pedicles.

Intervertebral Discs

• Cartilaginous pads between vertebral bodies.
• There are 23 discs.
• First disc between C2-C3, last between L5-S1.
• Help bind adjacent vertebrae together.
• Enhance spinal flexibility.
• Support weight of body.
• Absorb shock.
• Bulge laterally under stress.
• Excessive stress can cause herniated discs.

Regional Characteristics of Vertebrae

• Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) are relatively small.
• Their function is supporting and moving head.
• C1 and C2 have unique structures.
• Transverse foramina are unique to C1-C7 vertebra.

Thoracic Vertebrae

• There are 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12).
• Each thoracic vertebrae has ribs attached.
• Supports the thoracic cage, which encloses the heart and lungs.

Sternum

• Bony plate anterior to the heart.
• Divided into manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.
• Connects to ribs to form rib cage.

Ribs (Costae)

• 12 pairs of ribs.
• Ribs 1-7 are true ribs, because they connect directly to the sternum.
• Ribs 8-10 are false ribs because their cartilage connects to the 7th rib.
• Ribs 11-12 are floating ribs, because they don't connect to the sternum.

Skull and Cranial Cavity

• The skull is the most complex part of the skeleton.
• Consists of 22 bones.
• Cranial bones (neurocranium) enclose the cranial cavity; 8 total bones
• Viscerocranium (face bones); 14 total bones.
• The skull is made up of 22 bones (8 cranial, 14 viscerocranium).
• Cranial fossae: depressions for the contour of the inferior surface of the brain.

Skull Cavities

• Cranial cavity (cavity biggest): contains the brain (1,300 mL).
• Orbits: eye sockets.
• Nasal cavity.
• Paranasal sinuses.
• Oral cavity.
• Middle & inner ear cavities.

Paranasal Sinuses

• Named for the bones in which they occur.
• Frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, & maxillary sinuses.
• Connected to the nasal cavity.
• Limed with mucous membrane.
• Filled with air.
• Lighten the skull and amplify sound resonance.

Cranial Bones

• Frontal bone; forehead
• Parietal bone; sides of the skull.
• Temporal bone; temples, ear openings, and joins to the mandible
• Occipital bone; back and base of the skull.

Other Bones of the Head

• Zygomatic; cheek bones.
• Lacrimal; inner eye wall.
• Nasal; bridge of nose.
• Palatine; hard palate, roof of the mouth.
• Inferior nasal conchae; turbinates
• Vomer; forms part of nasal septum

Pelvic Girdle or Pelvis

• Bowl-shaped structure formed by sacrum, coccyx, and two hip bones (coxal bones).
• Supports the trunk and protects inner organs (urinary bladder, lower colon and reproductive organs).
• Comprised of sacrum, coccyx, and two hip (coxal) bones.
• Encloses pelvic cavity, protecting its internal organs.
• Pelvic brim = boundary between false and true pelvis.
• Pelvic inlet = entrance to lesser pelvis.
• Pelvic outlet = inferior margin of lesser pelvis.

Pelvic Girdle Components

• Sacrum; posterior wall of the pelvic cavity.
• Coccyx; formed by 4 tiny coccygeal vertebrae.
• Pelvic brim; margin separating false pelvis from the true pelvis.
• Pelvis Inlet; pelvic entryway to the lesser pelvis.
• Pelvis outlet; inferior margin of the true pelvis.

Pelvic Girdle Differences Female/Male

• Male pelvis is more heavier and thicker than female pelvis.
• Female pelvis is adapted to child birth.

Thoracic Cage

• Consists of thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.
• Forms a roughly conical enclosure for the lungs and heart.
• Provides attachment for pectoral girdle and upper limb.

Other

• Cranial bone; bones of cranium
• Calvaria; skullcap; top part of head
• Base: inferior part of skull

Test your knowledge on the vertebral column with this comprehensive quiz. Questions cover curvatures, vertebrae functions, and common conditions related to the spine. Perfect for students of human anatomy or anyone interested in learning about the skeletal system.