

The 33 bones that make up the spine differ considerably in size and structure according to location. The vertebrae support the body and provide the protective bony corridor (the spinal or vertebral canal) through which the spinal cord passes. In adults, the five sacral vertebrae fuse to form a single bone, the sacrum, and the four rudimentary coccygeal vertebrae fuse to form the coccyx. The fully developed embryonic heart showing the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus. Any of the 33 bony segments of the spinal column: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. an aperture in the great wing of the sphenoid for vessels and nerves. Of or pertaining to a vertebra, vertebru00e6, or the vertebral column spinal rachidian. Failure to close results in an atrial septal defect. Motions of the vertebral column include forward bending (flexion), backward bending (extension), side bending (lateral flexion), and rotation. ver´t-brah ( L.) any of the separate segments comprising the spine (vertebral column). the septal opening in the fetal heart that provides a communication between the atria it normally closes at birth. Several ligaments (supraspinous, interspinous, anterior and posterior longitudinal, and the ligamenta flava) hold the vertebrae in position, yet permit a limited degree of movement. The inferior articular processes articulate with the superior articular processes of the next succeeding vertebra in the caudal direction. The bodies of successive vertebrae articulate with one another and are separated by intervertebral disks, disks of fibrous cartilage enclosing a central mass, the nucleus pulposus. The successive vertebral foramina form the vertebral, or spinal, canal that encloses the spinal cord. As mentioned above, spinal compression fractures mainly affect the vertebral body. A deep concavity, the inferior vertebral notch, on the inferior border of the arch provides a passageway for a spinal nerve.

The arch bears seven processes: a dorsal spinous process, two lateral transverse processes, and four articular processes (two superior and two inferior). The name vertebral refers to the arteries’ location along the vertebrae, the bones of the spine. The arch that encloses the vertebral foramen is formed of two roots or pedicles and two laminae. In the thoracic region, the body bears on each side two costal pits for reception of the head of the rib. It is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and allows for their movements. In adults, the five sacral vertebrae fuse to form a single bone, the sacrum, and the four rudimentary coccygeal vertebrae fuse to form the coccyx.Ī typical vertebra consists of a ventral body and a dorsal or neural arch. Any of the 33 bony segments of the spinal column: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae.
