How do you describe a vertebrae?

How do you describe a vertebrae?

Vertebrae: The spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses the spinal cord and nerves, protecting them from injury. Most vertebrae move to allow for a range of motion. The lowest vertebrae (sacrum and coccyx) are fused together and don’t move.

Why are the vertebrae shaped differently?

The size and shape of each lumbar vertebra is designed to carry most of the body’s weight. Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions.

What shape are the vertebrae bones?

When viewed from the side, an adult spine has a natural S-shaped curve. The neck (cervical) and low back (lumbar) regions have a slight concave curve, and the thoracic and sacral regions have a gentle convex curve (Fig.

What is the structure of the vertebrae?

A prototypical vertebra is divided into three basic parts: the body, a group of posterior projections and processes, and the vertebral foramen. The superior and inferior surfaces of a vertebra are not flat; rather, they have shallow saucer-like concavities.

What do all vertebrae have in common?

A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch. The arch is formed by the paired pedicles and paired laminae. Arising from the vertebral arch are the transverse, spinous, superior articular, and inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord.

Is an S shaped spine normal?

About Curves of the Spine The normal spine has an S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. This shape allows for an even distribution of weight and flexibility of movement. The spine curves in the following ways: The cervical spine curves slightly inward, sometimes described as a backward C-shape or lordotic curve.

What is an S shaped spine?

Scoliosis is a condition of the spine in which the spine curves sideways in an “S” shape, either to the right or left side. This different from the condition known as kyphosis, where the spine has an abnormal, forward-oriented curvature.

What is the structure of a typical vertebrae?

Structure of a Vertebrae. All vertebrae share a basic common structure. They each consist of an anterior vertebral body , and a posterior vertebral arch . Vertebral Body. The vertebral body forms the anterior part of each vertebrae.

What are the five classes of vertebrae?

In addition to the distrinction between articulating and fused, vertebrae are divided into five different categories. They are: cervical veretebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and coccyx. See below for a more detailed description of each category.

What are the parts of a typical vertebra?

A typical vertebra consists of two essential parts—viz., an anterior segment, the body, and a posterior part, the vertebral or neural arch; these enclose a foramen, the vertebral foramen.

What animals have vertebrates?

Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column, also called vertebrae. These animals include fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.