the vertebral column

number of thoracic vertebrae

12

number of coccygeal vertebrae -----fused into one bone called the coccyx

4-5

number of lumbar vertebrae

5

number of sacral vertebrae ---- fused into one bone called the sacrum

5

number of cervical vertebrae

7

state the two functions of these discs

absorb shock and permit movement

the first cervical vertebra is the

atlas

the second cervical vertebra is called the

axis

the supportive part of each vertebra is called the

body

the bodies of adjacent vertebrae are separated by docs of

cartilage

the two form a ____ joint that permits ____ movement of the head

plvoit side-side

the ____ ends of the ribs articulate with the ___ vertebrae

posterior thoracic

the two hip bones articulate with the __ of the vertebral column

sacrum

the functions of the vertebral column are to ----- the trunk and head and to protect the ------- from mechanical injury

support/ spinal cord

name the type of joint between two vertebrae

symphysis