Vertebral Column Notes
Definition
The vertebral column, also known as the spine or backbone, is a bony structure found in
vertebrates. It is composed of a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis.
The vertebral column supports the body’s weight, protects the spinal cord, and provides a
site for muscle attachment.
Structure
The human vertebral column is divided into five regions:
1. Cervical Spine (7 vertebrae: C1-C7)
2. Thoracic Spine (12 vertebrae: T1-T12)
3. Lumbar Spine (5 vertebrae: L1-L5)
4. Sacrum (5 fused vertebrae)
5. Coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)
Key Vertebrae
Atlas (C1): Supports the skull, allows the nodding motion.
Axis (C2): Has a peg-like projection called the dens, allowing rotation of the head.
Intervertebral Discs
Located between adjacent vertebrae.
Function as shock absorbers.
Composed of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) and an inner gel-like center (nucleus
pulposus).
Curves of the Spine
Primary Curves: Thoracic and Sacral (present at birth).
Secondary Curves: Cervical and Lumbar (develop after birth).
Joints
1. Facet Joints: Synovial joints between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae.
2. Intervertebral Disc Joints: Cartilaginous joints between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.
Ligaments
Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL): Runs along the front of the vertebral bodies.
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL): Runs along the back of the vertebral bodies inside
the spinal canal.
Ligamentum Flavum: Connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
Interspinous Ligaments: Connect the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.
Supraspinous Ligament: Runs along the tips of the spinous processes.
Definition
The vertebral column, also known as the spine or backbone, is a bony structure found in
vertebrates. It is composed of a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis.
The vertebral column supports the body’s weight, protects the spinal cord, and provides a
site for muscle attachment.
Structure
The human vertebral column is divided into five regions:
1. Cervical Spine (7 vertebrae: C1-C7)
2. Thoracic Spine (12 vertebrae: T1-T12)
3. Lumbar Spine (5 vertebrae: L1-L5)
4. Sacrum (5 fused vertebrae)
5. Coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)
Key Vertebrae
Atlas (C1): Supports the skull, allows the nodding motion.
Axis (C2): Has a peg-like projection called the dens, allowing rotation of the head.
Intervertebral Discs
Located between adjacent vertebrae.
Function as shock absorbers.
Composed of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) and an inner gel-like center (nucleus
pulposus).
Curves of the Spine
Primary Curves: Thoracic and Sacral (present at birth).
Secondary Curves: Cervical and Lumbar (develop after birth).
Joints
1. Facet Joints: Synovial joints between the articular processes of adjacent vertebrae.
2. Intervertebral Disc Joints: Cartilaginous joints between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae.
Ligaments
Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL): Runs along the front of the vertebral bodies.
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL): Runs along the back of the vertebral bodies inside
the spinal canal.
Ligamentum Flavum: Connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
Interspinous Ligaments: Connect the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.
Supraspinous Ligament: Runs along the tips of the spinous processes.
