Vertebral Column Anatomy

• The vertebral column, ribs, and sternum are key components.

Vertebral Column Length

• The vertebral column is about 60cm long in women.
• The vertebral column is about 70cm long in men.

Vertebrae Composition

• The vertebral column consists of vertebrae, also known as "Omur".
• There are 7 cervical vertebrae.
• There are 12 thoracic vertebrae.
• There are 5 lumbar vertebrae.
• There are 5 sacral vertebrae.
• There are 4-5 coccygeal vertebrae.
• The total number of vertebrae is 33-34.

Vertebral Column Components

• The vertebral column, also known as the Spine, includes the sacrum and coccyx.
• There are 23 intervertebral discs in the spine.
• There are 24 presacral vertebrae.

Typical Vertebra Features

• A typical vertebra has a corpus, except for the 1st vertebra.
• The arch of a typical vertebra consists of the pedicle-lamina.
• A typical vertebra includes a vertebral foramen-canal.
• The arch features spinous, transverse, and articular processes.
• Superior and inferior articular processes include articular surfaces (facets).
• Vertebrae have superior and inferior vertebral notches, forming intervertebral foramina.

Cervical Vertebra Characteristics

• Cervical vertebrae have a small quadrangular body and a large triangular vertebral foramen.
• Cervical vertebrae have short, horizontal spinous processes which are bifid at 2-6.
• The superior and inferior notches of cervical vertebrae are equally deep.
• Cervical vertebrae contains transverse foramina which transmit vertebral arteries and veins.
• The C6 vertebra has anterior, posterior, and carotic tubercles.
• There is a groove for the spinal nerve.

Atlas (1st Cervical Vertebra)

• The atlas has lateral masses but no body.
• The atlas has anterior-posterior arches, with the anterior arch being shorter.
• The atlas presents superior and inferior articular processes & facets.
• The atlas has a notch for dens and a groove for the vertebral artery.

Axis (2nd Cervical Vertebra)

• The axis has a body, a dens (odontoid process), and anterior-posterior articular surfaces.

Prominens (7th Cervical Vertebra)

• The Prominens presents long nonbifid spinous processes.

Thoracic Vertebra Characteristics

• Thoracic vertebrae have a heart shaped body and a rounded vertebral foramen.
• Thoracic vertebrae have superior and inferior costal demi facets for the head of the rib.
• T1 has a superior complete facet and an inferior demi facet.
• T11 and T12 have superior complete facets.
• Thoracic vertebrae have a costal facet for the tubercle of the rib, except T11 & 12.

Lumbar Vertebra Characteristics

• Lumbar vertebrae have a kidney shaped body along with a small & triangular vertebral foramen.
• Lumbar vertebrae consists of quadrangular & horizontal spinous processes.
• Mammillary & accessory processes and a costal (transverse) process are present.

Sacrum Characteristics

• The sacrum is triangular in shape, with a base and apex.
• It has pelvic and dorsal surfaces and lateral parts with an auricular surface.
• The sacrum includes anterior sacral foramina and transverse lines.
• The sacrum has median, medial, and lateral crests and posterior sacral foramina.
• Key features also include the promontorium and sacral tuberosity.

Coccyx Characteristics

• The coccyx features coccygeal cornu and transverse processes.

Rib Classification

• True ribs (costa verae) are ribs 1-7.
• False ribs (costa spuriae) are ribs 8-10.
• Floating ribs (costa fluctuantes) are ribs 11 and 12.
• Rib 1 is the shortest, and rib 8 is the longest.
• Ribs are attached to the vertebral column by costal cartilages

Typical Rib Characteristics

• A typical rib includes a head with an articular facet and a crest (except in ribs 1, 11, and 12).
• A typical rib includes a neck with a crest.
• A typical rib has a body with anterior and posterior surfaces, an angle, a tubercle with an articular facet, and a groove for the intercostal vein-artery-nerve (v-a-n).

Atypical Rib 1

• Atypical rib 1 has superior and inferior surfaces.
• It lacks an angle, tubercle, and groove.
• Grooves for the subclavian artery and vein are present.
• A tubercle for the anterior and middle scalene muscles is present.

Atypical Rib 2

• Atypical rib 2 has a tuberosity for the serratus anterior muscle.
• A tubercle for the posterior scalene muscle is present.
• The groove of the rib is not prominent.

Atypical Ribs 11 and 12

• Rib 11 lacks a tubercle.
• Rib 12 presents no angle, tubercle, or groove.

Sternum Components

• The sternum includes the manubrium, which has jugular, clavicular, and costal notches.
• The body of the sternum is where the 2nd rib joins the sternal angle.
• The xyiphoid process is at the T10-11 level.