Vertebral Column and Sternum Overview

Study Notes

Vertebral Column

The vertebral column is formed by 26 vertebrae, arranged in a series.
It's located dorsally, extending from the skull base.
It's the main framework of the trunk.
Each vertebra has a neural canal for the spinal cord.
The first vertebra (atlas) articulates with the occipital condyles.
The column is divided into cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (1 fused), and coccygeal (1 fused) regions.
The cervical vertebrae number seven in most mammals.
The vertebral column protects the spinal cord and supports the head.
It's an attachment point for ribs and back muscles.

Sternum

The sternum is a flat bone on the ventral midline of the thorax.
There are 12 pairs of ribs.
Each rib is a thin, flat bone connecting dorsally to the vertebral column and ventrally to the sternum.
The first seven pairs of ribs are "true ribs", attached directly to the sternum via cartilage.
The 8th, 9th, and 10th pairs are "vertebrochondral" (false) ribs, connecting to the 7th rib via cartilage.
The last two pairs (11th and 12th) are "floating ribs," not connected to the sternum.
The thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum form the rib cage.

Appendicular Skeleton

The bones of the limbs and girdles form the appendicular skeleton.
Each limb (e.g., fore limb) is made of 30 bones.

Description

Explore the anatomical details of the vertebral column and sternum. This quiz covers the structure, regions, and functions of the vertebrae and sternum, as well as their relationships with ribs. Enhance your understanding of human anatomy through this focused assessment.