Download The Vertebral Column

The Skeletal System
Vertebral Column
Atlas
Axis
Vertebral Column
7 Cervical Vertebrae (C1-C7)
Lumbar Vertebra,
lateral view
12 Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T12)
Lumbar Vertebra,
Superior view
5 Lumbar Vertebrae (L1-L5)
Sacrum
Coccyx
Vertebral Column

Composed of 33 bones
 7 Cervical Vertebrae (neck)
 C1 (Atlas, C2 (Axis)
 12 Thoracic Vertebrae (chest)
 5 Lumbar Vertebrae (lower back)
 1 Sacrum (pelvis)
 Made of 5 fused vertebrae
 1 Coccyx (tailbone)
 Made up of 4 fused vertebrae
Vertebral Column

Vertebrae are arranged in a cylindrical column
interspersed with a intervertebral disk.
Function
 forming a strong and flexible support for the neck and
trunk.
 The point of attachment for muscles of the back
 Protects the spinal cord and nerves, and
 Provides essential support for the body and the ability
to keep the body erect.
Intervetrebral Disks

The intervertebral disks absorb shock
effectively when the load on the column
increases
They also allow the vertebrae to
move without causing damage
to other vertebrae or the spinal cord

Vertebrae shapes