1. List the unique characteristics for the cervical vertebrae? 2. List the unique characteristics for thoracic vertebrae? Solution Typical cervical vertebrae have large spinal canals,oval shaped vertebral bodies,and articular facets oriented abiquely.Their most characteristic features are their bifid spinous processes and a foramen in their transverse processes.These foramina transversaria contain the vertebral artery and vein.Only the cervical vertebrae have three openings or foramina-the vertebral foramina and two transverse foramina.Three cervical vertebra have a unique anatomical structure:C1-atlas,C2- the axis,and C7-the vertebra prominens. The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve small bones that form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk. Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes.It differs from other vertibrae in following features which are unique: Vertebral body is heart shaped. Presence of demi-facets on the sides of each vertebral body-these articulate with the heads of the ribs. Presence of costal facets on the transverse processes-these articulate with the tubercles of the ribs. The spinous processes are long and slant inferiorly.This helps in increased protection to the spinal cord, preventing an object such as a knife entering the spinal canal..

1. 1. List the unique characteristics for the cervical vertebrae? 2. List the unique characteristics for
thoracic vertebrae?
Solution
Typical cervical vertebrae have large spinal canals,oval shaped vertebral bodies,and articular
facets oriented abiquely.Their most characteristic features are their bifid spinous processes and a
foramen in their transverse processes.These foramina transversaria contain the vertebral artery
and vein.Only the cervical vertebrae have three openings or foramina-the vertebral foramina and
two transverse foramina.Three cervical vertebra have a unique anatomical structure:C1-atlas,C2-
the axis,and C7-the vertebra prominens.
The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve small bones that form the vertebral spine in the
upper trunk. Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only
vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes.It differs from other vertibrae
in following features which are unique:
Vertebral body is heart shaped.
Presence of demi-facets on the sides of each vertebral body-these articulate with the heads of the
ribs.
Presence of costal facets on the transverse processes-these articulate with the tubercles of the
ribs.
The spinous processes are long and slant inferiorly.This helps in increased protection to the
spinal cord, preventing an object such as a knife entering the spinal canal.