The Vertebral Column

Composed of a series of bones called vertebrae.
The vertebral column has five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx
The vertebral column is flexible and can move forward, backward, sideways, and rotate.
It supports the head and serves as a point of attachment for muscles.
There are 26 vertebrae in the vertebral column: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacrum, and 1 coccyx.

Atlas

First cervical vertebrae and articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull. This permits the head movement "yes" possible

Axis

Second cervical vertebrae that has a peg like process which makes the head movement "no" possible.

Cervical Vertebrae

Smaller than all the other vertebrae except for the vertebrae that make the coccyx.

Thoracic Vertebrae

Larger and stronger than the cervical vertebrae and they articulate with the ribs.

Lumbar Vertebrae

The largest and strongest in the vertebral column because of the amount of weight that is supported by the vertebrae.

Sacrum & Coccyx

The sacrum is a triangular formed bone that is made up of 5 sacral bones. The coccyx is also triangular in shape but comprised of 4 coccygeal vertebrae.

Resource list

Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2006). Principles Of Anatomy And Physiology (11th ed.). John Wiley & Sons INC.

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