Question

Describe the bones of vertebral column.

Answer 1

The vertebral column is made up of 33 r ing shaped bones called vertebrae. A typical vertebra has a main body or centrum and a neural canal in the centre of the neural arch, arising from the sides of the centrum. Neural spine is a flat, longitudinal projection. There are side projections called transverse processes. The articular facets help in j oining the two adj a cent vertebrae.

Vertebral column is divided into the following five parts:
(i) Cervical region - It has seven cervical vertebrae. First vertebra is called atlas, second is axis while the resta re called typical cervical vertebrae.
(ii) Thoracic region - It has 12 thoracic vertebrae. Neural spine of these vertebrae is long and pointed, which provides surface for muscle attachment.
(iii) Lumbar region - Has 5 lumbar vertebrae.
(iv) Sacral region - Has 5 sacral vertebrae which are permanently fused to each other.
(v) Caudal region - Has 4 caudal vertebrae, which are fused to form a triangular structure called coccyx .