Anatomy/Physiology - Chapter 7 The Vertebral Column
What are the curves in an adult's vertebral column called?
-cervical curve -thoracic curve -lumbar curve -sacral curve
What is the name of the middle group of ribs? Why are they called that? How many are there?
-false ribs (vertebrochondral) -attach indirectly to the sternum -3 pairs (6)
What is the name of the most inferior group of ribs? Why are they called that? How many are there?
-floating ribs (vertebral) -they don't attach to the sternum at all -2 pairs (4)
What are the three parts to the sternum?
-manubrium -body -xiphoid process
Name two features of the atlas that makes it different than all other vertebrae
-no body -no spinous process -has 2 facets where it articulates with the occipital bone
What are two structural differences between the cervical vertebrae and the other two types?
-short, bifid processes -transverse foramens
What is the name of the most superior group of ribs? Why are they called that? How many are there?
-true ribs (vertebrosternal) -attach directly to the sternum -7 pairs (14)
How many curves are found in a newborn vertebral column?
1
How many separate bones comprise the vertebral column?
26
How many curves are found in an adult vertebral column?
4
What is the most superior group of vertebrae called and how many are there?
Cervical 7
What is the most inferior group of vertebrae called and how many are there?
Lumbar 5
What is the middle group of vertebrae called and how many are there?
Thoracic 12
What is the function of the vertebral column?
To protect the spinal cord
What is the name of the joint between the C1 and the C2 vertebrae?
atlantoaxial joint
What is the name of the joint between the atlas and your skull?
atlantooccipital joint
What is the name of the first cervical vertebra?
atlas
What is the name of the second cervical vertebra?
axis
What is the central part of a vertebra called?
body or centrum
What is the most inferior component of the vertebral column comprised of 3-5 fused vertebrae?
coccyx
How are the ribs attached to the sternum?
costal (hyaline) cartilage
What is the name of the tooth-like process on the axis?
dens
What is the name of the end of the rib where it articulates with the costal cartilage?
facet
What is the structure found in between each vertebra composed of?
fibrocartilige
What is the name of the end of the rib where it articulates with the vertebra?
head and tubercle
What is the name of the structure found between each vertebrae except for the atlas and the axis?
intervertebral discs
Why is the described as being vestigial?
it has no purpose
What is the name of the condition in which there is an exaggerated thoracic curvature or hunchback appearance?
kyphosis
What is the name of the condition in which there is an accentuated lumbar curvature or swayback appearance?
lordosis
What is the name of the shield-shaped composite bone at the inferior end of the vertebral column?
sacrum
An abnormal lateral curvature to the vertebral column is called ________
scoliosis
What is the main body of the rib called?
shaft
What is the function of the intervertebral discs?
shock absorber
What is the structure that extends from the posterior aspect of a vertebra?
spinous process
What is the function of the rib cage?
to protect the heart and lungs
What are the wing-like projections on a vertebra called?
transverse processes
What is the name of the central opening in a vertebra where the spinal cord passes through?
vertebral foramen
