LABORATORY EXERCISE 15

VERTEBRAL COLUMN AND THORACIC CAGE

Figure Labels
FIG. 15.1
1. Cervical
2. Thoracic
3. Lumbar
4. Sacrum

5.
6.
7.

Coccyx
Intervertebral foramina
Intervertebral discs

5.
6.
7.
8.

Sacral canal
Tubercles (of median sacral crest)
Posterior sacral foramen
Sacral hiatus

FIG. 15.2 a-b

8
3
4
7
1
6
5
2
FIG. 15.3 a-c
6
7
3
5
4
1
9
2
8
FIG. 15.4
1. Sacral promontory
2. Anterior sacral foramen
3. Coccyx
4. Superior articular process

Critical Thinking Application Answer

The four curvatures allow more resiliency and flexibility, which will enable the vertebal column to function more like a spring
instead of a rigid rod.
FIG. 15.5
1. True ribs
2. False ribs
3. Thoracic vertebra
4. Manubrium
5. Body

6.
7.
8.
9.

Xiphoid process
Sternum
Costal cartilage
Floating ribs

7.
8.
9.
10.

Atlas
Dens (odontoid process)
Lumbar
Five

Laboratory Report Answers

PART A
1. Spinal cord
2. Bodies
3. Intervertebral discs
4. Vertebral arch

5.
6.

Spinal nerves
arteries

11. Sacral hiatus

PART B
Vertebra

Number

Size

Body

Spinous Process

Cervical

Smallest

Smallest

Thoracic

12

Intermediate

Intermediate

Lumbar

Largest

Largest

C2 through C5 are
forked
Pointed and
angled downward
Short, blunt, and
nearly horizontal

PART C
1. 206
2. Floating
3. Seven
4. Clavicles

PART D (FIG. 15.6)

1. Spinous process
2. Atlas
3. Axis

5.

a.
b.
c.

4.
5.
6.

Transverse
Foramina
Present
Absent
Absent

It supports the shoulder girdle and arms.

It protects visceral organs in the thoracic and upper
abdominal cavities.
It aids breathing.

Transverse process
Intervertebral disc
Body (of sixth cervical vertebra)