1. Vertebral Column (Spine) & Bony Thorax

2. Vertebral Column Functions Support the trunk Provide a place for the ribs & pelvis to attach Permit movement House & protect the spinal cord

3. Cervical Vertebrae Neck Region – 7 Atlas: 1 st cervical vertebra (supports the skull) Axis: 2 nd cervical vertebra (forms pivot around which atlas rotates to allow for movement of the head)

4. Thoracic Vertebrae Chest region – 12 Contain rib facets (costal pits) which allow the ribs to attach [usually 3 facets/vertebra]

5. Lumbar Vertebrae Lower back - 5 Largest vertebrae; support weight of body

6. Sacrum 5 fused vertebrae Form the back of the pelvis; contain foramina for the passage of blood vessels

7. Coccyx 4 fused vertebrae Form the “tailbone”

8. Intervertebral Foramina (Vertebral Foramen) Openings through which the spinal cord passes

9. Intervertebral discs Fibrocartilage discs found between the vertebrae that allow for movement & shock absorption

10. Spinal Curves There are 4 normal curves to the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, & sacral.

11. Lumbar puncture Procedure done to examine CSF or to administer anesthetic during childbirth; made between the 3 rd & 4 th or 4 th & 5 th lumbar vertebrae because the spinal cord ends in the 2 nd lumbar vertebra.

12. Bony Thorax (Thoracic Cage) Consist of the ribs, sternum, & thoracic vertebrae Protects the heart, lungs & major blood vessels

13. Ribs Rib Pairs 1 – 7 = True ribs – have a direct connection with the sternum via costal cartilage

14. Ribs Rib Pairs 8 – 10 = False ribs – have an indirect connection with the sternum via costal cartilage

15. Ribs Rib Pairs 11 – 12 = Floating ribs – not connected to the sternum

16. Ribs

17. Sternum (breastbone) Consists of 3 parts: -manubrium – upper part of sternum; attached to clavicles by ligaments -body – middle portion; long narrow bone -xiphoid process – lowest portion of sternum; begins as cartilage but ossifies with age

18. Sternum

19. The End.