Overview And Functions

Question 1

Number of Spinal Vertebrae

Answer 1

33, 23 in spinal column

Question 2

Cervical Spine

Answer 2

Head to thoracic, 7 vertebrae, Lordosis

Question 3

Thoracic Spine

Answer 3

Upper back, connects to lumbar, 12 vertebrae T1-T12, Kyphosis

Question 4

Lumbar

Answer 4

Lower back, connects to sacrum, 5 vertebrae, Lordosis

Question 5

Sacral Spine

Answer 5

S1-S5, fused vertebrae

Question 6

Sacroiliac Joint

Answer 6

Where sacrum attaches to Pelvic Girdle

Question 7

Functions of the Spine

Answer 7

1. Stable attachment for muscles, tendons and ligaments
2. Supporting weight of head and torso
3. Protects spinal cord
4. Absorbs shock

Question 8

6 degrees of motion

Answer 8

Flexion, extension, bending side to side, rotation and combination

Question 9

Kyphosis

Answer 9

Anterior Concavity (thoracic spine)

Question 10

Lordosis

Answer 10

Posterior Concavity (Cervical and Lumbar)

Question 11

Normal Spine Curve

Answer 11

Cervical 
- Lordosis, 20-40 deg
Thoracic
-Kyphosis, 20-40 dg
Lumbar
-Lordosis, 30-50 deg

Question 12

Birth Spinal Curve

Answer 12

One kyphotic curve (primary curve)

• once head can be lifted, cervical lordotic curve develops
• once walking, secondary lumbar lordotic curve develops