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vertebrae

The vertebral column is a complex structure composed of 33 vertebrae and 23 intervertebral discs, providing mobility, stability, and protection for the spinal cord. It is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each with distinct characteristics and functions. The document details the anatomy of each vertebral region, including the unique features of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae.

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5 views35 pages

vertebrae

The vertebral column is a complex structure composed of 33 vertebrae and 23 intervertebral discs, providing mobility, stability, and protection for the spinal cord. It is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, each with distinct characteristics and functions. The document details the anatomy of each vertebral region, including the unique features of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae.

Uploaded by

pabitradang77
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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VERTEBRAL COLUMN

ANATOMY
INTRODUCTION
 The vertebral column is an amazingly complex structure
that must meet the seemingly contradictory demands of
mobility and stability for the trunk and the extremities
and of protection for the spinal cord.
 Although the pelvis is not considered part of the vertebral column, the pelvic
attachment to the vertebral column through the sacroiliac
joints will be included in this chapter because of the
relationship of these joints and those of the lumbar
region.
GENERAL STRUCTURE
AND FUNCTION
The vertebral column resembles a curved rod, compose of 33 vertebrae
and 23 intervertebral discs.
The vertebral column is divided into the following five regions: cervical,
thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal
Curves of the Spine

• The normal spine has an S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. This
shape allows for an even distribution of weight and flexibility of movement.
The spine curves in the following ways:

• The cervical spine curves slightly inward, sometimes described as a


backward C-shape or lordotic curve
• The thoracic spine curves outward, forming a regular C-shape with the
opening at the front—or a kyphotic curve
• The lumbar spine curves inward and, like the cervical spine, has a lordotic or
backward C-shape
The Mobile Segment

• It is generally held that the smallest functional unit in the spine is the
mobile segment; that is, any two adjacent vertebrae, the intervening
intervertebral disc (if there is one), and all the soft tissues that secure
them together.
Cervical Vertebrae

• Cervical vertebrae are the first region in the vertebral column and are located just below the skull.
• The cervical vertebrae are denoted as C1 to C7, C1 being closest to the skull and C7 being farther
away towards the spine.
• It is a true rib that possesses vertebral foramen (hole) in each of the processes from where the spinal
cord, vertebral arteries and veins go through.
• Atlas (C1) and axis (C2) are the topmost vertebrae. Atlas is the first cervical vertebra that is a ring-like
structure and does not have a vertebral body or spinous process. It forms a connection between the
skull and the spine.
• Axis is the second cervical vertebra which forms a pivot on which the atlas rotates.
• C7, or the vertebra prominens has long and prominent spinous processes that are quite visible on
the skin surface.
• The C3 – C6 are small vertebrae with broad sides.
• The cervical vertebrae are mainly responsible for the movement of head by the joint present
between the atlas and axis.
TYPICAL CERVICAL VERTEBRAE
Thoracic Vertebrae

• The thoracic vertebrae form the second segment of the vertebral column
present between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae.
• There are 12 thoracic vertebrae that are denoted as T1 – T12.
• The lumbar vertebrae are intermediate in size and keep on increasing
towards the lumbar vertebrae.
• The characteristic feature of the thoracic vertebrae is the presence of costal
facets.
• The vertebral body is heart-shaped and broad in the anteroposterior region.
• The facets on these vertebrae are useful for articulation with the ribs.
• The spinous processes are long and triangular in shape.
Lumbar Vertebrae

• The lumbar vertebrae are the largest bones of the vertebral column.
There are five bones in the lumbar region that are denoted as L1 – L5.
• The vertebral body of the lumbar vertebra is kidney-shaped which is
wide in the sides.
• The spinous process is short and thick as compared to other two
regions which extends in a perpendicular angle from the body.
• The L5 is the largest bone across the vertebral column with the largest
vertebral body and transverse processes.
TYPICAL LUMBER VERTEBRAE
Sacral Vertebrae

• The sacral vertebrae are five in number and are denoted as S1 to S5.
• These five bones fuse into one large triangular bone in humans
between the age of 18 to 30.
• The sacral bone is situated at the base of the vertebral column at the
upper back portion of the pelvic cavity between the two pelvic wings.
• The sacral vertebrae has four articulations, one with the last lumbar
vertebrae, one with the coccygeal vertebrae and two on either side of
the hip bones
Coccygeal Vertebrae

• The coccyx or the coccygeal vertebrae is commonly referred to as a


tailbone.
• It is composed of three to five segments that fuse to form one single
structure.
• It has a rudimentary vertebral body and transverse and articular
processes.
• It does not have a pedicle, laminae or spinous processes.
• The coccyx has an important function as it is an important site of
attachment for various pelvic ligaments and tend

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