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why are the vertebrae different sizes and shapes

by Ova Waelchi Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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In the human vertebral column the size of the vertebrae varies according to placement in the vertebral column, spinal loading, posture and pathology. Along the length of the spine the vertebrae change to accommodate different needs related to stress and mobility. Each vertebra is an irregular bone.

The size and shape of each lumbar vertebra is designed to carry most of the body's weight. Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions.Dec 20, 2016

Full Answer

How many vertebrae are there in the human body?

What are Cervical Vertebrae?

What are the Similarities Between Cervical Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae?

What are the five major groups of vertebrae?

How many bones are in the lumbar vertebrae?

Which vertebrae have a foramen?

Where are the thoracic vertebrae located?

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Why are vertebrae shaped the way they are?

The offsetting curves of each section create a spring-like structure, enabling the spine to act as a natural shock-absorber. If it were straight up and down, the spine would take tremendous wear and tear from constant vibration and shock, creating fractures and worse.

Are vertebrae different sizes?

Although vertebrae range in size; cervical the smallest, lumbar the largest, vertebral bodies are the weight bearing structures of the spinal column. Upper body weight is distributed through the spine to the sacrum and pelvis.

Do vertebrae vary in shape and structure?

The general structure of human vertebrae is fairly typical of that found in mammals, reptiles, and birds. The shape of the vertebral body does, however, vary somewhat between different groups.

Why are the lumbar vertebrae bigger and thicker than the other vertebrae?

Compared with other spine vertebrae, your lumbar vertebrae are larger, thicker and more block-like bones. Your lumbar vertebrae provide stability for your back and spinal column and allow for a point of attachment for many muscles and ligaments. Your lumbar vertebrae support most of your body's weight.

How do you differentiate vertebrae?

The vertebrae are classified into sections – cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. The biggest difference between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae lies in their location. From where the skull starts, the cervical vertebrae constitute the first seven vertebrae.

Why is my spine bumpy?

The simplest explanation is weight. Skinnier people will generally have less fat surrounding the spine, making the vertebra appear more pronounced. This can be seen to the extreme in malnourished people who have so little fat that their entire skeletal structures appear visible through the skin.

Why do we have so many small vertebrae in our backbone?

The body would make a straight posture it is made of a single bone. Since it is made up of small vertebrae bones, it is flexible and helps to carry out activities like stand sit, bending, walking, etc.

What are the characteristics of vertebrae?

A typical vertebra consists of a body and a vertebral arch. The arch is formed by the paired pedicles and paired laminae. Arising from the vertebral arch are the transverse, spinous, superior articular, and inferior articular processes. The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord.

What are the 3 different types of vertebrae?

The mammalian vertebral column consists of five morphologically differentiated groups of vertebrae: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal (caudal) (Fig 3.1).

Which vertebrae is largest in size?

L5 has the largest body and transverse processes of all vertebrae. The anterior aspect of the body has a greater height compared to the posterior. This creates the lumbosacral angle between the lumbar region of the vertebrae and the sacrum.

What is unique about the lumbar vertebrae?

The lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L5) have fairly long transverse processes and large, flat, rectangular-shaped spines (see Figure 3.11C). The main distinguishing feature of the lumbar vertebrae is the orientation of the facets on the superior and inferior articular processes.

What features make the lumbar vertebrae different than other vertebrae?

The bodies of the lumbar vertebrae are massive, sturdy, and designed to withstand vertical compression. The spinous processes are broad and thick so stabilizing muscles can attach. The superior articular facets face inward (medially) and the inferior articular facets face outward (laterally).

Which vertebrae is largest?

lumbar vertebraeThe lumbar vertebrae are located between the ribcage and the pelvis and are the largest of the vertebrae. The pedicles are strong, as are the laminae, and the spinous process is thick and broad. The vertebral foramen is large and triangular.

Does everyone have the same number of vertebrae?

The average person is born with 33 individual bones (the vertebrae) that interact and connect with each other through flexible joints called facets. By the time a person becomes an adult most have only 24 vertebrae because some vertebrae at the bottom end of the spine fuse together during normal growth and development.

What are the 4 types of vertebrae?

The vertebrae (back bones) of the spine include the cervical spine (C1-C7), thoracic spine (T1-T12), lumbar spine (L1-L5), sacral spine (S1-S5), and the tailbone. Each vertebra is separated by a disc. The vertebrae surround and protect the spinal cord.

How wide is a human vertebrae?

The upper end-plate width and depth increased from C3 to L5 in the human spine, width ranging from 27.7 to 54.0 mm, and depth ranging from 16.5 to 36.7 mm.

Comparison of Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Vertebrae

The talus bone of the foot receives the weight of the body from the tibia. The talus bone then distributes this weight toward the ground in two directions: one-half of the body weight is passed in a posterior direction and one-half of the weight is passed in an anterior direction.

Comparing cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae - Quizlet

Start studying Comparing cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

How many vertebrae are there in the human body?

There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae. The vertebral column is a part of the human skeleton, which comprises 26 vertebrae. It is a bony segmented structure that runs on the back of the body.

What are Cervical Vertebrae?

Cervical vertebrae are the vertebrae in the neck region, located immediately below the skull. The individual bones of the cervical vertebrae abbreviate as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. The top-most cervical vertebra is the atlas vertebra, which holds the head upright. The second topmost cervical vertebra is the axis vertebra which facilitates most of the head movements and provides an axis for side to side head rotation.

What are the Similarities Between Cervical Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae?

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar vertebrae are parts of the vertebral column.

What are the five major groups of vertebrae?

They are cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae and coccyx vertebrae.

How many bones are in the lumbar vertebrae?

Lumbar vertebrae consist of five cylindrical bones that make the spine in the lower back of the body.

Which vertebrae have a foramen?

Moreover, cervical vertebrae are the smallest vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each transverse process of cervical vertebrae has a foramen (hole), unlike thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

Where are the thoracic vertebrae located?

Thoracic vertebrae are the twelve individual bones along the midline of the body in the thorax region. All ribs are attached to thoracic vertebrae. Thoracic vertebrae form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk. They also protect the spinal nerves in that region. Figure 02: Thoracic Vertebrae.

But don't all leaves do the same thing?

Leaves from a common fig tree (left) couldn't look more different from those of a fern.

Right plant, right place (and right leaf)

A 2003 study, also from Macquarie University in Australia, suggests a leaf’s style is also its function — ensuring that just the right leaf is developed for a specific environment. After all, for the plant, getting it just right is matter of life and death.

When Asymmetry Is a Problem

It’s a good idea to get to know the size and shape of your balls. Fondling them here and there allows you to notice any changes, which can signal that something’s wrong.

Insecure About Your Testicle Asymmetry?

Do you dislike your uneven testicles? Maybe you’ve had a partner comment on them, and you’d rather have a more symmetrical setup down there.

How many vertebrae are there in the human body?

There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae. The vertebral column is a part of the human skeleton, which comprises 26 vertebrae. It is a bony segmented structure that runs on the back of the body.

What are Cervical Vertebrae?

Cervical vertebrae are the vertebrae in the neck region, located immediately below the skull. The individual bones of the cervical vertebrae abbreviate as C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. The top-most cervical vertebra is the atlas vertebra, which holds the head upright. The second topmost cervical vertebra is the axis vertebra which facilitates most of the head movements and provides an axis for side to side head rotation.

What are the Similarities Between Cervical Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae?

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar vertebrae are parts of the vertebral column.

What are the five major groups of vertebrae?

They are cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae and coccyx vertebrae.

How many bones are in the lumbar vertebrae?

Lumbar vertebrae consist of five cylindrical bones that make the spine in the lower back of the body.

Which vertebrae have a foramen?

Moreover, cervical vertebrae are the smallest vertebrae in the vertebral column. Each transverse process of cervical vertebrae has a foramen (hole), unlike thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

Where are the thoracic vertebrae located?

Thoracic vertebrae are the twelve individual bones along the midline of the body in the thorax region. All ribs are attached to thoracic vertebrae. Thoracic vertebrae form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk. They also protect the spinal nerves in that region. Figure 02: Thoracic Vertebrae.

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