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Leave a Comment / By Toheeb Olaide / November 1, 2022
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PRIMARY 6

Back to: Animal Husbandry SS 1

FULL SUBJECT SYLLABUS
The Vertebral Column
 FIRST TERM

The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spinal column, is the central supporting
 SECOND TERM
structure of the skeleton. The vertebral column forms the backbone of vertebrate animals and

protects the spinal cord. It is made up of five groups of bones called the vertebrae (singular:
MEANING OF ANATOMY AND
vertebra) in mammals. In rabbit it consists of 46 vertebrae. The vertebrae are held one to the
PHYSIOLOGY
others with strong ligaments having compressible cartilage pads called intervertebral discs
between consecutive vertebrae. 
DIGESTION IN RUMINANT
In mammals, the five different vertebrae are: (i) Cervical Vertebrae It is found in the neck region 
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

NERVOUS SYSTEM

SKELETAL SYSTEM

THE VERTEBRA COLUMN

THE VERTEBRA COLUMN CONTS.

(ii) Thoracic Vertebrae It is found in the chest region  THIRD TERM

(iii) Lumber Vertebrae – It is found in the upper abdomen Open All · Close All

(iv) Sacral Vertebrae – It is found in the lower abdomen

(v) Caudal Vertebrae – It is found in the tail region.

Features of a Typical Vertebra

All Vertebra even though they have different functions have certain features in common.

A typical Vertebra possess the following features:

i) Neural Spine: This projects upwards dorsally for the attachment of muscles.

(ii) Transverse Processes: They project from the sides of each vertebra for the attachment of
muscles and ligaments.

(iii) Centrum: It is a solid piece of bone below the neural canal.

(iv) Facet: This is a small, smooth, flat or slight depressed area on a bone that is usually a point of
contact with another bone. Zygapophysis: These are articular surfaces for the articulation of
successive vertebrae. They are grouped into two parts – the pre- zygapophyses facing inwards
and upwards and post zygapophyses facing outward and downward.

Cervical Vertebrae

The cervical vertebrae are found in the neck region. In rabbit, they are seven in number. The first
cervical vertebra is called the atlas while the second is called the axis. The third to seventh bones
are the normal cervical bones.

Characteristics of the Atlas

(i) The atlas vertebra has a large neural canal.

(Ii) It has a flat and broad transverse process.

(iii) The neural spine is very short or absent. (iv) The centrum is absent.

(v) It has a vertebrarterial canal for the passage of blood vessels.

Function of the Atlas

It allows the head to nod on it (i.e. it permits nodding of head) as it fits into the occipital
condyles of the skull.

Characteristicss of the Axis

(i) The Axis has a broad and flat centrum

(Ii) It articulates with the atlas through the odontoid process.

(iii) It has a large, flattened neural spine.

(iv) The transverse process is reduced to a pin-like structure.

(v) It has a vertebraterial canal

Function of the Axis

It allows the head to be turned easily, i.e., twisting of the head.

Thoracic Vertebrae

Thoracic vertebrae are found in the chest region. In Rabbit, they are twelve in number.

Characteristics of Thoracic Vertebrae

(I)The thoracic vertebrae has a long and prominent neural spine which projects upwards and
backwards.

(Ii) It has a pair of short transverse process.

(iii) There is presence of demifacets and articular surfaces for attachment of ribs.

(iv) There is a large neural canal and neural arch.

(v) A large cylindrical centrum is present.

Functions of the Thoracic Vertebrae

(i) It aids the attachment of the ribs.

(Ii) Muscles of the shoulder and back are attached to beural spines.

(iii) It asissts in breathing alongside with the ribs.

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SKELETAL SYSTEM THE VERTEBRA COLUMN CONTS.

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