![]() ![]() However, the sacral and coccygeal fusions do not start until age 20 and are not completed until middle age.Īn interesting anatomical fact is that almost all mammals have seven cervical vertebrae, regardless of body size. Similarly, the coccyx, or tailbone, results from the fusion of four small coccygeal vertebrae. The single sacrum, which is also part of the pelvis, is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. The lower back contains the L1–L5 lumbar vertebrae. Below these are the 12 thoracic vertebrae, designated T1–T12. Inferiorly, C1 articulates with the C2 vertebra, and so on. Superiorly, the C1 vertebra articulates (forms a joint) with the occipital condyles of the skull. In the neck, there are seven cervical vertebrae, each designated with the letter “C” followed by its number. The vertebral column is subdivided into five regions, with the vertebrae in each area named for that region and numbered in descending order. The vertebral column originally develops as a series of 33 vertebrae, but this number is eventually reduced to 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx. The vertebral column is curved, with two primary curvatures (thoracic and sacrococcygeal curves) and two secondary curvatures (cervical and lumbar curves). The vertebrae are divided into three regions: cervical C1–C7 vertebrae, thoracic T1–T12 vertebrae, and lumbar L1–L5 vertebrae. The adult vertebral column consists of 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx. It also protects the spinal cord, which passes down the back through openings in the vertebrae. It is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and allows for their movements. Together, the vertebrae and intervertebral discs form the vertebral column. It consists of a sequence of vertebrae (singular = vertebra), each of which is separated and united by an intervertebral disc. The vertebral column is also known as the spinal column or spine ( Figure 1). Explain how the structure and function of the atlas and axis differ from those of a typical vertebra.Describe the structure and function of a typical vertebra.By the end of this section, you will be able to: ![]()
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