Vertebrae

Vertebral column
• Extends from skull to pelvis
• Consists of many vertebrae separated by
cartilaginous intervertebral disks that are
connected by ligaments
• Forms central axis of the skeleton
• Supports the head and the trunk of the
body

• Flexible to permit movements

• Protects the spinal cord

How many vertebrae do we have?
• Adult: 26

• Infant: 33 separate bones

– Five vertebrae fuse to form the sacrum and
four others join to become the coccyx
 Components of vertebral column
• Cervical vertebrae
• Thoracic vertebrae
• Lumbar vertebrae
• Sacrum
• coccyx
 Curvatures of vertebral column
fig 7.34
• Names correspond to the regions in which
they occur
• 1. thoracic concave anteriorly (primary
• 2. pelvic curves)

• 3. cervical convex anteriorly (2ndary

• 4. lumbar curves)
 3 parts of Vertebra
• Body: (centrum)
– Transfers weight along the axis; separated by
intervertebral discs

• Arch: surrounds vertebra foramen

• Articular process:
– Intervertebral foramina: gaps b/t ea vertebra;
permits passage of nerves to or from spinal
cord
 Cervical Vertebrae
• Comprise the bony axis of the neck
• Smallest of the vertebrae, but tissue are denser
than those in any other region of column
• Allows for 180 degree range of motion

• Atlas: (C1) holds up head

– Practically no body or spine
– Pivots around the dens of axis
• Axis: (C2) during development fuses with atlas
• Atlas: (C1) holds up head
– Practically no body or spine
– Pivots around the dens of axis
• Axis: (C2) during development fuses with
atlas
Atlas
Axis
 Distinctions of Cervical
• Transverse processes of cervical are DISTINCT b/c of
transverse foramina
– Passageways for arteries leading to the brain

• Spinous processes:
Uniquely forked (bifid): provide attachment for muscles

• Vertebra prominens: longer and protrudes beyond

other cervical (can be felt thru skin)
 Thoracic Vertebrae
• Total of 12

• Larger than cervical

• Long pointed spinous

process slopes
downward

• Bear increasing loads of

body weight due to the
increase in the body
size of the vertebra
 Thoracic
• Demi facets: on side of body to articulate
with ribs

• Injury: compression-dislocation fractures

of vertebrae occur b/t throacic and lumbar
due to heavy weight bearing load
 Lumbar
• Total of 5 in small of back

• Supports more weight b/c of larger and

stronger bodies

• Transverse processes project posteriorly

at sharp angles

• Large Bodies
 Lumbar
• Short spinous processes are nearly
horizontal: provide surface area for muscle
attachment of lower back muscles

• Smaller vertebral foramen

• Injuries: Compression, Slip Disk

 Sacral Vertebrae
fig 7.39
• Originates as 5 vertebrae

• Complete fusion by age 25 (18-30)

• Dorsal sacral foramina: blood vessels
pass thru
• sacral promontory: first sacral vertebra
• Sacral canal: opening
• Sacral hiatus: opening at end of sacrum
• Sacral foramina: 4 pairs that provide
passageways for blood vessels and
nerves
 Coccygeal
• Originates as 4 vertebra, fuses as 1 bone
• Fusion of time varies
• Attached by ligaments to margins of the
sacral hiatus