Question

Name the 5 areas of the spine from superior to inferior, and the number of, and defining features of their vertebrae.

1.

2.

3.

4

5.

Answer 1

Answer

The areas of spine from superior to inferior are :

1) Cervical

• It contains 7 vertebrae (C1 to C7)
• The spinous process of cervical vertebrae is bifid.
• Transverse foramen is present in cervical vertebrae.
• Atlas is the first cervical vertebrae that attaches base of the skull to vertebral column.

2) Thoracic

• It contains 12 vertebrae (T1 to T12)
• Thoracic vertebrae are larger than cervical vertebrae.
• The spinous process of thoracic vertebrae projects sharply and slightly downwards.
• These vertebrae consits demifacets on the body that provides articular space for the ribs.

3) Lumbar

• It contains 5 vertebrae (L1 to L5)
• These are the largest vertebrae with very large body.
• The transverse process of lumbar vertebrae is thin as compared to thoracic and cervical vertebrae.
• The spinous process is comparatively much small and thin.

4) Sacral

• It contains 5 fused vertebrae.
• The vertebrae are fused forming a single bony structure called sacrum.
• Sacrum is a part of pelvic girdle.
• Ala of sacrum is a broad region that articulates with hip bone forming sacroiliac joint.

5) Coccygeal

• It contains 4 fused vertebrae.
• It form a single triangular bony structure called coccyx.
• It is also known as tail bone.
• Superiorly it articulates with base of the sacrum.