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.