Vertebral column
The vertebral column consists of the vertebrae, and literally makes "backbone" of the human body. First, inspect the thoracic vertebrae as typical ones, and then observe other vertebrae. Consider the homology of the vertebrae while taking into account the thoracic vertebra with the rib that are basic form of the vertebra.
- 1. The whole view
- Observe the vertebral column as a whole.
- ・How many vertebrae does human have?
- How many vertebrae does non-human mammals have?
- ・Find the sacralization or lumbalization?
- ・Kyphosis ---- primary curvature (appeared at fetal period)(1)
- ・Lordosis ---- secondary curvature (appeard during postnatal period)(2)
- When were they formed? What activity are connected to develop them?
- ・Scoliosis -- (It is assumed to associate with handedness physiologically.)
- ・Review muscles and ligaments to maintain the spinal column upright.
- 2. General type of vertebra

- ・Vertebral foramen (3)−→ Vertebral canal
- What passes through ?
- Can you guess the thickness of the object by inserting your finger into the hole ?
- ・Intervertebral foramen (4)
- = Superior vertebral notch
+ Inferior vertebral notch
- What passes through?
- ・Vertebral body (5)
- How large vertebrae?(6)
- Which function does this size is associated with any function?
- ・Superior articular process (7-1), Inferior articular process (7-2)
- What is the orientation of the articular surface (horizontal-, sagittal-, anterior planes) for each vertebra?
- The connection between this and spinal motion is ?
- ・Spinous process (8)
- How is the angle of tilt in each vertebra?(9)
- The connection between this and spinal motion is ?
- 3. Cervical vertebrae
- ・With the exception of sloths and caecilians (6-9 vertebrae), mammals such as giraffes and whales have seven cervical vertebrae.
- ・The cervical spine is characterized by ?
- ・Which is the transverse process?
- What is the homology of {thoracic vertebrae + ribs}?
- ・Foramen transversarium (11); What will pass?
- Where it goes?
- ・atlas and axis
- What is the difference between the thoracic vertebra (the basic form of vertebrae)?(13)
- Which is the body of atlas?
- The top and bottom of atlas is?
- ・Atlanto-occipital joint
- ・Median and lateral atlanto-axial joints
- What exercises are possible with these joints?
- YES/NO signs at which joints?
- ・Carotid tubercle [vertebrae cervicalis VI]
- (tubercle of Chassaignac)
- Marker during stellate ganglion block.
- Can you touch it with your own body?
- ・Vertebra prominens (C7)(14);Can you touch it with your own body?
- ・What is the cervical rib?
- Its clinical significance is?
- 4. Thoracic vertebrae
- ・What are the characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae?
- ・Superior and inferior costal facets (15);How many are in a single thoracic vertebra?
- ・Costovertebral joint
- = joint of head of rib + costtransverse joint
- 5. Lumbar vertebrae
- ・The lumbar spine is characterized by?
- ・Where is the transverse process?
- Given the {thoracic vertebrae + ribs}?
- ・Accessory process (17)
- ・Mammillary process (18)
- 6. Sacrum
- In adults, the five sacral vertebrae fuse into a single sacrum.
- ・Median sacral crest (19-1),lateral sacral crest (19-2)
- ・What is conjoined?
- ・Transverse ridges (20);What is conjoined?
- ・Auricular surface (21)
- ・Sacro-iliac joint;Moving or...?
- 7. Coccyx
- ・How many coccygeal vertebrae are made of?
- ・How well is the basic morphology of the vertebrae preserved?
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