Vertabrae
The vertebral column is a column usually consisting of 24 articulating vertebrae, and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx. There are technically 33 vertebrae in humans, including the five that are fused to form the sacrum and the four coccygeal bones that form the tailbone.
A vertebra has two essential parts: an anterior (front) segment, which is the vertebral body; and a posterior part – the vertebral (neural) arch. When the vertebrae are articulated with each other, the bodies form a strong pillar for the support of the head and trunk. The vertebral foramina has a canal to protect the spinal cord.
The vertebral column is made up of 5 sections:
A vertebra has two essential parts: an anterior (front) segment, which is the vertebral body; and a posterior part – the vertebral (neural) arch. When the vertebrae are articulated with each other, the bodies form a strong pillar for the support of the head and trunk. The vertebral foramina has a canal to protect the spinal cord.
The vertebral column is made up of 5 sections:
- Cervical: 7 vertebrae (C1–C7)
- Thoracic: 12 vertebrae (T1–T12)
- Lumbar: 5 vertebrae (L1–L5)
- Sacral: 5 (fused) vertebrae (S1–S5)
- Coccygeal: 4 (3–5) (fused) vertebrae (Tailbone)
Cervical
Allow neck movement.
Thoracic
Connect to the rib cage.
Lumbar
Supports the majority of the body's weight.
Sacral
Fused in maturity, with no intervertebral discs.
Coccygeal
4 bones that make up the tail bone.