Podcast
Questions and Answers
How many cervical vertebrae are in the human spine?
How many cervical vertebrae are in the human spine?
- 5
- 12
- 33
- 7 (correct)
The lumbar vertebrae are lighter than the thoracic vertebrae.
The lumbar vertebrae are lighter than the thoracic vertebrae.
False (B)
What is the primary function of the sacral vertebrae?
What is the primary function of the sacral vertebrae?
To provide stability and support in the pelvic region.
C1, also known as the ______, lacks a body and a spinous process.
C1, also known as the ______, lacks a body and a spinous process.
Match the type of vertebrae with their distinct characteristics:
Match the type of vertebrae with their distinct characteristics:
Which vertebrae are responsible for the head's rotation?
Which vertebrae are responsible for the head's rotation?
All coccygeal vertebrae are fused to form the sacrum.
All coccygeal vertebrae are fused to form the sacrum.
What is a distinctive feature of cervical vertebrae?
What is a distinctive feature of cervical vertebrae?
Flashcards
Vertebral Column
Vertebral Column
The human spine is made up of 33 bony segments called vertebrae, which are divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.
Cervical Vertebrae
Cervical Vertebrae
The cervical vertebrae are located in the neck, consisting of 7 bones that allow for head movement. They are the smallest and lightest vertebrae, with a large hole for the spinal cord.
Thoracic Vertebrae
Thoracic Vertebrae
The thoracic vertebrae are located in the chest, consisting of 12 bones that articulate with the ribs. They have a heart-shaped body and downward-pointing spinous processes.
Lumbar Vertebrae
Lumbar Vertebrae
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Sacrum
Sacrum
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Coccyx
Coccyx
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Atlas (C1)
Atlas (C1)
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Axis (C2)
Axis (C2)
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Study Notes
Vertebrae Anatomy
- The human spine consists of 33 vertebrae, with potential variations due to the coccygeal vertebrae.
- These are categorized into 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral (fused), and 3-4 coccygeal (fused) vertebrae.
- Vertebrae shapes vary based on their position in the vertebral column.
- Cervical vertebrae are the lightest, featuring the largest vertebral foramen for the spinal cord.
- Thoracic vertebrae are heart-shaped, having facets for rib articulation.
- Lumbar vertebrae are the largest, designed for weight-bearing.
- Sacral vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum, crucial for pelvic support.
- Coccygeal vertebrae are small and fragile, creating the tailbone.
Cervical Vertebrae
- C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) are key cervical vertebrae.
- C1 lacks a body and spinous process, holding the dens of C2.
- C2 has a dens that articulates with C1, enabling head rotation.
- Cervical vertebrae have foramina in transverse processes for vertebral arteries.
- C7 (vertebra prominens) has a palpable, prominent spinous process.
- Some cervical vertebrae exhibit bifid spinous processes (V or Y shape).
Thoracic Vertebrae
- Thoracic vertebrae articulate with ribs at three points: superior/inferior facets of the vertebral body and a facet on the transverse process.
- They are heart-shaped with vertically oriented spinous processes.
Lumbar Vertebrae
- Lumbar vertebrae possess large, thick bodies for weight support.
- Their spinous processes are short, horizontal, and attach to strong muscles.
- Transverse processes are slender compared to thoracic ones.
Sacrum and Coccyx
- The sacrum results from fused sacral vertebrae, forming an irregular bone for pelvic stability.
- The sacrum retains the vertebral and intervertebral foramina for nerves and spinal cord passage.
- The coccyx is formed from fused coccygeal vertebrae, making the tailbone.
- The first coccygeal vertebra might fuse with the sacrum over time.
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