Learn more about vertebrae structures using these hands-on printable vertebrae diagrams that we have collected for you! In the following anatomy diagrams, the detailed diagrams of vertebrae are illustrated in clear pictures. Follow these diagrams to study more about our vertebrae system and we’ll start by giving you the first vertebrae parts diagram below.
As you can see in the vertebrae diagram above, the human spine consists of 33 vertebrae in total; 24 are considered to be part of the upper spine, whilst the other 11 are found in the Sacrum & Coccyx. Your back is divided up into sections: Cervical – Neck Area – 7 vertebrae, Thoracic – Mid Back – 12 vertebrae, Lumbar – Lower back – 5 vertebrae, Sacral and Coccyx – tailbone and base of spine – 5 and 4 fused vertebrae respectively. The main function of the cervical spine is to support the weight of the head (about 10 pounds). The seven cervical vertebrae are numbered C1 to C7. The neck has the greatest range of motion because of two specialized vertebrae that connect to the skull. More spine diagrams are as follows.
The thoracic vertebrae increase in size from T1 through T12. They are characterized by small pedicles, long spinous processes, and relatively large intervertebral foramen (neural passageways), which result in less incidence of nerve compression. The lumbar vertebrae graduate in size from L1 through L5. These vertebrae bear much of the body’s weight and related biomechanical stress. The pedicles are longer and wider than those in the thoracic spine. The main function of the sacrum is to connect the spine to the hip bones (iliac). There are five sacral vertebrae, which are fused together. Together with the iliac bones, they form a ring called the pelvic girdle. Coccyx region is the four fused bones of the coccyx or tailbone provide attachment for ligaments and muscles of the pelvic floor.
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