vertebrae

(noun)

The bones that make up the spinal column.

Related Terms

Examples of vertebrae in the following topics:

  • Regional Vertebral Characteristics

    • The two lower regions—the sacrum and coccyx, or tailbone—are formed from fused vertebrae.
    • For example, the most superior cervical vertebrae is termed C1 and the most inferior C7, which is then followed by the T1 vertebrae of the thoracic region.
    • The cervical region of the spine is the most superior and contains seven small vertebrae.
    • The twelve thoracic vertebrae are located inferiorly to the cervical region.
    • During childhood the five vertebrae of the sacral region are distinct.

  • Parts of a Vertebra

    • A vertebra consists of two parts: an anterior segment, or the vertebral body; and a posterior part, or the vertebral (neural) arch.
    • The strength and flexibility of this structure is generated by the structure of the individual vertebrae.
    • A typical vertebra of the upper region of the spine consists of two regions:
    • The anterior vertebral body which is the point of articulation between the vertebrae.
    • Located between each pair of vertebrae are two laterally located openings:

  • The Spine

    • In human anatomy, the vertebral column (backbone or spine) usually consists of 24 articulating vertebrae and nine fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx.
    • The upper three regions comprise the remaining 24, and are grouped as cervical (seven vertebrae), thoracic (12 vertebrae) and lumbar (five vertebrae).
    • Facet joints are located above and below each vertebra.
    • It ends at the middle of the second thoracic vertebra.
    • The thoracic curve convexes dorsally, begins at the middle of the second thoracic vertebra, and ends at the middle of the 12th thoracic vertebra.

  • General Characteristics of the Spine

    • The spine is made of vertebrae that link together to protect the spinal cord.
    • The vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused, but those of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions are separated by intervertebral discs.
    • For example, the most superior cervical vertebra is termed C1 and the most inferior C7, which is then followed by the T1 vertebrae of the thoracic region.
    • The cervical curve covers the region between vertebrae C1 and T2, it is the least marked of all the spinal curves.
    • The thoracic curve covers the region between vertebrae T2 and T12.

  • The Axial Skeleton

    • The rounded ends are attached at joints to the thoracic vertebrae posteriorly and the flattened ends come together at the sternum anteriorly.
    • There are normally thirty-three vertebrae in the human vertebral column.
    • The fused vertebrae are the five in the sacrum and four in the coccyx.
    • The first and second cervical vertebrae are the atlas and axis, respectively, on which the head rests.
    • The cervical vertebrae make up the junction between the vertebral column and the cranium, and the bone makes up the junction between the vertebral column and the pelvic bones.

  • Fractures of the Vertebral Column

    • They can affect the cervical vertebrae (a cervical fracture), the thoracic, or the lumbar regions.
    • A compression fracture is a collapse of vertebra.
    • It may be due to trauma or a weakening of the vertebra.
    • There are seven cervical vertebrae (neck bones) in the human neck, and the fracture of any can be catastrophic.

  • Back Injuries and Heavy Lifting

    • Common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated disks, and fractured vertebrae.
    • Both the load and the weight of the upper torso create significant stress on the body structures at the low back, especially at the disc between the fifth lumbar and the first sacral vertebrae.
    • The five vertebrae in the lumbar region of the back are the largest and strongest in the spinal column.

  • Overview of the Axial Skeleton

    • A typical human rib cage consists of 24 ribs, the sternum, costal cartilages, and the 12 thoracic vertebrae .
    • The vertebral column usually consists of 24 articulating vertebrae and nine fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx.

  • Thoracic Aorta

    • Contained within the posterior mediastinal cavity it begins at the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra where it is continuous with the aortic arch, and ends in front of the lower border of the twelfth thoracic vertebra at the aortic hiatus in the diaphragm.
    • The aorta, highlighted in red, includes the thoracic aorta, the section of the aorta which runs from the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra to the diaphragm.

  • Abdominal Aorta

    • It travels down the posterior wall of the abdomen, anterior to the vertebral column, following the curvature of the lumbar vertebrae.
    • Posteriorly, it is separated from the lumbar vertebrae by the anterior longitudinal ligament and left lumbar veins.