About This File
The cervical spine is the upper most spines forming the spinal column, extending from the skull base to the level of the thoracic vertebra (the spines with attached ribs). The cervical spines are usually seven and the main function is to support the skull and to protect the spinal cord.
Apart from the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and the second vertebra (axis), the other vertebral bodies share a general anatomical appearance:
Oval shaped vertebral bodies with wide vertebral arch, large vertebral foramina and long spinous processes.
Oval shaped vertebral bodies with wide vertebral arch, large vertebral foramina and long spinous processes.
The dorsal (thoracic) spine forms the middle portion of the vertebral column extending below the seventh cervical vertebra to above the first lumbar vertebra. The dorsal spine is formed by twelve vertebral bodies.
The vertebrae forming the dorsal spine are unique in shape as they are the only vertebral bodies articulating with ribs.
The vertebrae forming the dorsal spine are unique in shape as they are the only vertebral bodies articulating with ribs.
The lumbar spine represents the mid-lower segment of the vertebral column and is composed of five adjacent vertebrae. They are convex anteriorly to form a lumbar lordosis. The lumbar spine facet joints allows limited movements and rotation.
This model shows lumbar spondylo-degenerative changes manifested by marginal osteophytic lipping.
The sacrum is the lower most segment of the vertebral column and also forms the posterior wall of the bony pelvis. The sacrum is formed by five fused sacral vertebrae.
The sacrum is formed by fusion of five sacral vertebrae has three surfaces, a base and an apex. The body of the first segment is large and is similar to lumbar vertebra whereas the bodies of the next bones get progressively smaller, are flattened from the back, and curved to shape.
The sacrum articulates with four other bones – iliac bones on either side, L5 above and coccyx below. It is tilted forward and curved with anterior concavity and posterior convexity allowing greater room for pelvic cavity. The curvature of sacrum varies in individuals.
This model shows the sternum and sacro-iliac joints.
This 3D model was created from the file STS_037
The original CT examination can be reviewed at:
