Vertebral Column

The vertebral column (spinal

column) consist of a number of
separate irregular bones called
vertebrae. Its forms the central axis
of the body.
Vertebrae are named according to
region in which they found.
 There are 33 vertebrae, 7 cervical,
12 thoracic, 5 lumber, 5 sacral, 4
coccygeal.

 In adults, 5 sacral vertebrae fuse

together to form sacrum, 4
coccygeal vertebrae fuse together
to form coccyx.
 Functions:
 Protect spinal cord.
 Supports body weight.
 Provides attachment to axial muscles.
 Provides movement of the trunk.

Intervertebral Disks

Pad of cartilage in-between vertebrae

Facilitate spinal movement and prevent friction

Intervertebral Disks
 cervical vertebrae
Main characteristics of cervical vertebrae:

 Two transverse foramen: for

the passage of the artery, vein
and nerve.
 Spinous process: split into two
parts expect C7.
 One vertebral foramen: for
the passage of the spinal cord.
Body
Two transverse process
Facets.

Cervical vertebrae
• C1 – C7.
• C1, C2, C7 = Atypical, C3 – C6 = Typical.
• C1 called atlas, and C2 called axis.

Cervical 1 (Atlas)
 No spinous process.

 No body.

 Articulate with occipital

condyles of skull and allowing
nodding motion of head.

 Large vertebral foramen

 Cervical 2 (Axis)

 Has body.
 Has spinous process.
 Has a tooth shape process
called the dens.

Cervical 7 (C7) Body

Transverse foramen

 Has single long spinous that can be

felt at the base of the neck.
 Spinous process is not bifid. Transverse process
 Transverse foramen, smaller than
spinous
other cervical vertebrae

Vertebral column

 Cervical vertebrae
 Thoracic vertebrae
 Lumber vertebrae
 Sacral vertebrae
 Coccygeal vertebrae
 Thoracic vertebrae
Are 12 vertebrae (T1-T12), articulates with the tubercles of the ribs.

Typical Thoracic Vertebrae

• Large body.
• Vertebral foramen.
• Spinous process.
• Transverse process.
• Superior articular process.
• Superior articular facets.
• Superior costal Facets.

Lumbar Vertebrae
The lumber vertebrae are 5 vertebrae (L1 - L5)
 Thick body.
Spinous process

Superior
 Thick Spinous process. articular
process

 Characterized by the Transverse process

absence of facets on the

sides of the body. Vertebral foramen
Body

 The lumber vertebrae help

support the weight of the
body.
 Sacral vertebrae
 The sacral vertebrae are highly modified in comparison to the others.
These five vertebrae are fused into a single bone called the sacrum.

Anterior surface Posterior surface

 smooth and concave

Coccygeal vertebrae (coccyx)

 coccyx – usually consists of 4 or 5 small vertebrae (Co1 – Co5).
 provide attachment for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic
floor .
 Components of rib cage (thoracic cage)

• Sternum
manubrium, body, Xiphoid process.
• Ribs
7 true ribs.
5 false ribs (including 2 floating ribs).

• 12 Thoracic vertebrae (T1-t12)

Functions of rib cage :

 Protects the heart and lungs.
 Chamber for respiration.

• Sternum
Flat bone, consist of 3 parts:

1.Manubrium.
2.Body .
3.Xiphoid process.
 • Ribs
The ribs is 12 pairs of ribs, divided
into:
A-True ribs:
Superior seven pairs called
vertebrosternal ribs. Articulate with
thoracic vertebrae and attach
directly with sternum.

B-False ribs:
Inferior five pairs articulate with
thoracic vertebrae but do not attach
directly to the sternum.

 Floating Ribs (Ribs 11 – 12)

Have no attachment to the sternum.