Vertebral Anatomy Flashcards

Front

Vértebra (plural: Vértebras)

Back

The individual bones that stack to form the vertebral column. Each vertebra has a cylindrical shape and contains an opening through which the spinal cord passes.

Front

Vértebras cervicales

Back

The seven vertebrae located in the neck region, labeled C1 to C7. The first two vertebrae, atlas and axis, allow for head movement.

Front

Vértebras torácicas

Back

The twelve vertebrae in the middle region of the back, labeled T1 to T12. These vertebrae are attached to the ribs and help protect the heart and lungs.

Front

Vértebras lumbares

Back

The five vertebrae in the lower back, labeled L1 to L5, that support much of the body's weight and allow movement and flexibility.

Front

Sacro

Back

A triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae. It connects the spine to the hip bones.

Front

Coxis

Back

Also known as the tailbone, this small triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column is composed of three to five fused vertebrae.

Front

Disco intervertebral

Back

The fibrocartilaginous pads between adjacent vertebrae that act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility of the vertebral column.

Front

Apófisis espinosa

Back

A bony projection on the posterior part of each vertebra. These projections are attachment sites for muscles and ligaments.

Front

Apófisis transversa

Back

The small bony projections on each side of a vertebra that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments.

Front

Foramen

Back

An opening or hole in a bone through which nerves and blood vessels pass. The vertebral foramen is the central opening in each vertebra for the spinal cord.