The Skull and Vertebral Column
The skull is a bony structure that supports the face and forms a protective cavity for the brain. It is comprised of many bones, formed by intramembranous ossification, which are joined together by sutures (fibrous joints). These joints fuse together in adulthood, thus permitting brain growth during adolescence.
The bones of the skull can be divided into two groups: those of the cranium (which can be subdivided the skullcap known as the calvarium, and the cranial base) and those of the face.
The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column, is the central axis of the skeleton in all vertebrates. The vertebral column provides attachments to muscles, supports the trunk, protects the spinal cord and nerve roots and serves as a site for hemopoiesis. The mammalian vertebral column consists of five morphologically differentiated groups of vertebrae: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal (caudal). In humans, the vertebral column usually consists of 33 vertebrae, placed in series and connected by ligaments and intervertebral discs. However, the number of vertebrae can vary between 32 and 35. Usually there are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and 4 caudal (coccygeal) vertebrae. In humans, the length of the vertebral column is 71 cm in males and 61 cm in females. The vertebral column (spine or backbone) is a curved structure composed of bony vertebrae that are interconnected by cartilaginous intervertebral discs. It is part of the axial skeleton and extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the coccyx. The spinal cord runs through its center. The vertebral column is divided into five regions and consists of 33 vertebrae interlaced by strong joints and ligaments. Although the spine can be a pain in the back, its function is very important. Thanks to the spine, you can twist, bend and sway your trunk in almost any direction. Your vertebral column also protects your fragile spinal cord and helps support the weight of the upper body. Therefore, it’s important to take good care of it and maintain a good posture at all times.
At the end of the course, you should be able to
- Describe the bones of the skull
- Describe the bones of the vertebral column
Course Curriculum
SECTION 1: THE SKULL
SECTION 2: THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN
SECTION 3: CLASSIFICATION OF JOINTS
SECTION 1: THE SKULL
SECTION 2: THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN
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7General Characteristics of the Spine
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8Parts of a Vertebra
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9The Thorax
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10Thoracic Cage: Ribs
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11The Shoulder
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12The Upper Limb
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13Ulna and Radius (The Forearm)
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14The Hip
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15Pubis
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16Pelvic Structure and Childbearing
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17The Lower Limb
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18Tarsals, Metatarsals, and Phalanges (The Foot)
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19Longitudinal Arches
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20Quiz