1. Vertebral Column Learning Goals
1- Name the regions of the vertebral column, and number of vertebrae in each segment
2- Identify the distinguishing characteristics of vertebrae from each spinal column segment

2. Adult Vertebral Column
26 vertebrae
24 individual vertebrae
Sacrum – 5 fused vertebrae
Coccyx – 4 fused vertebrae
(7) Seven cervical vertebrae
(12)Twelve thoracic vertebrae
(5) Five lumbar vertebrae

3. Adult Vertebral Column
strong, flexible rod
average male = 71 cm (28 inches)
average female – 61 cm (24 inches)
capable of moving
anteriorly
posteriorly
laterally
also rotation
supports the head
encloses and protects the spinal cord
allows for the exit of 31 pairs of spinal nerves – through intervertebral foramina

4. Spinal Curvature Four curvatures: increase the strength of the column
Thoracic (primary) – forms fetally and retain the curve of the fetus
Sacral (primary) – forms fetally and retain the curve of the fetus
Cervical (secondary) – forms when the baby holds its head erect
Lumbar (secondary) – forms upon walking

5. Vertebral Column   

6. Adult Vertebral Column
vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs
discs of fibrocartilage made up of an outer ring and a softer inner region
found between C1 and C2 and all the way down to between L5 and the sacrum
form the joints of the vertebral column
absorb shock – flatten, broaden and bulge outward
weakening in the outer ring can allow the herniation of the inner material

7. Every vertebrae has the following:
1. body – weight bearing part of the vertebra
separated by the discs
2. vertebral arch – surrounds the spinal cord
surrounds a hole called a vertebral foramen
3. processes – seven of them
1. Spinous (1) – muscle attachment
2. Transverse (2) – muscle attachment
3. Superior articular (2) – forms joint with upper vertebra
4. Inferior articular (2) – forms joint with lower vertebra
Cervical Vertebra

8. Cervical Vertebrae Atlas – 1st; supports head
Axis – 2nd; pivots to turn head
transverse foramina
bifid spinous processes
vertebral prominens
– useful landmark

10. Vertebral Column Study Guide

11. Thoracic Vertebrae
long spinous processes
rib facets

12. Thoracic Vertebrae

13. Thoracic Vertebrae

14. Thoracic Vertebra
Lumbar

15. Lumbar Vertebrae
large bodies
thick, short spinous processes

17. Fused Vertebrae: The sacrum & coccyx
Sacrum - Union of 5 vertebrae (S1 - S5) – completely fused by age 30
median sacral crest = spinous processes
sacral ala = fused transverse processes
sacral canal ends at sacral hiatus
Coccyx = Union of 4 vertebrae (Co1 - Co4) – completely fused by age 30

18. Coccyx