Term

What is in the vertebral column

Definition

33 bones - 7 cervical vertebrae (convex curve) - 12 thoracic vertebrae (concave curve) - 5 Lumbar vertebrae (convex curve) - 5 Sacrum vertebrae (concave curve -fused) - 4 coccyx vertebrae - fused

Term

Cervical spine features

Definition

Has 7 individual vertebrae smallest in the column. Supports the weight of the head and assists in support of the shoulder girdle. Greatest mobility in the spinal column.

Term

Thoracic spine features

Definition

Has 12 individual vertebrae and is the entire upper back area. Its posterior convexity houses many vital organs. Each thoracic is attached to a rib, upper 7 are 'true ribs' attaching directly to the sternum through costal cartilage, lower 5 are 'false ribs' as they connect to the 7th thoracic not the sternum. 11th and 12th known as floating ribs as they don't attach to the sternum at all.