Vertebrae
The vertebrae are separated into five regions. You will need to know the regions of the vertebrae, but not the names of the individual vertebrae. The five regions are (from superior to inferior):
- Cervical Vertebrae - This is a grouping of seven vertebrae that are located just below your skull. This group allows for a majority of the movement of your neck.
- Thoracic Vertebrae - This is a grouping of twelve vertebrae that are located where the ribs are found. Each of the thoracic vertebrae have attachment points for each of the twelve pairs of ribs.
- Lumbar Vertebrae - This is a group of five vertebrae. These are the largest of the vertebae due to the large amount of muscle that must attach to them and the the weight bearing the must provide for the upper body.
- Sacrum - This structure is actually fiver vertebrae fused together. It is found between the coxal bones (hip bones) and helps to make up your pelvis.
- Coccyx - A more common name for these three or four fused vertebrae is 'tail bone'. These are the last and most inferior of the vertebrae.
Figure 3 - Vertebrae
Image from Johnson Human Biology 6th edition.
|
