Vertebral column

Question 1

cervical

Answer 1

top 7 vertebrae of the neck. first two bones are the atlis and axis. this forms the pivot joint in the neck and allows the head to move freely.

Question 2

throracic

Answer 2

the 12 vertebrae of the mid-spine. they are bigger than the cervical and attach the ribs which protect the heart and lungs. they attach the muscles of the back.

Question 3

sacral

Answer 3

the 5 fused vertebrae which form the sacrum. it helps form the wall of the pelvis (forms the back section of the pelvic girdles). it also supports the weight of the vertebrae.

Question 4

coccyx

Answer 4

the 4 fused vertebrae which forms the coccyx. it has no function.

Question 5

functions of the vertebral column

Answer 5

• protects spinal chord
• supports rib cage (thoracic)
• supports body weight (lumbar)
• offers attachment for muscles in the back
• invertebral discs receive and distribute impact (reducing shock)

Question 6

lumbar

Answer 6

the 5 largest vertebrae of the mid-spine. they are the biggest of the moveable vertebrae. they support the weight of the other vertebrae and attach the muscles of the lower back. the discs produce a concave appearance