Bones - The Spinal Column
26 vertebrae
# in the spinal column
thoracic vertebrae
T1 through T12, are the second set of 12 vertebrae.
cartilaginous joint
allows slight movement between bones.
body of the vertebra
anterior portion of the vertebra -- solid to provide strength
Lumbar
between the ribs and the pelvis.
pelvis
cup-shaped ring of bone at the lower end of the trunk consists of the ilium, ischium, and pubis
transverse and spinous processes
extend from this area and serve as attachments for muscles and tendons.
cervical vertebrae
first set of 7 vertebrae, and they form the neck. The term cervical means pertaining to the neck, and these vertebrae are also known as C1 through C7.
cetabulum
hip socket, is the large circular cavity in each side of the pelvis that articulates with the head of the femur to form the hip joint
sacroiliac
is the slightly movable articulation between the sacrum and posterior
lumbar vertebrae
known as L1 through L5, make up the third set of 5 vertebrae, and together they form the inward curve of the lower spine.
The pelvic girdle
known as the pelvis or hips.
sacrum and the coccyx
last two vertebrae
Intervertebral disks
made of cartilage, separate and cushion the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers and allow for movement of the spinal column
vertebral foramen
opening in the middle of the vertebra which allows the spinal cord to pass through and to protect the spinal cord.
Thoracic
pertaining to the thoracic cavity.
vertebral
pertaining to the vertebrae.
lamina
posterior portion of a vertebra -- plural, laminae.
Vertebra
singular form for vertebrae
sacrum
slightly curved, triangular-shaped bone near the base of the spine that forms the lower portion of the back.
coccyx
tailbone, end of the spine made up of four small vertebrae fused together.
spinal column
vertebral column, protects the spinal cord and supports the head and body.