VERTEBRAL COLUMN

There are a total of 24 individual vertebrae in the spinal column, plus the fused vertebrae that make up the coccyx and sacrum. The vertebrae are divided into regions, and there are a specific number in each region. The cervical region is the most superior and has 7 vertebrae. Next is the thoracic region with 12, and finally the lumbar region with 5.

A	Cervical Region (C1-C7)
B	Thoracic Region (T1-T12)
C	Lumbar Region (L1-L5)
D	Sacrum
E	Coccyx
F	Atlas
G	Axis

The first two vertebrae (C1 and C2) are named the atlas and the axis respectfully. The atlas atlas and axis

articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull and with the dens of the axis. The articulation with the skull allows the head to move in a nodding direction (the "yes" movement) while the articulation with the dens of the axis allows the head to move from side to side (the "no" movement).

Cervical	Have smaller bodies and shorter spinois processes that stick straight back. The real tell-tale sign though is the presence of transverse foramen which the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae do not have.
Thoracic	The body is kind of heart shaped and the spinois process is long and points down.
Lumbar	The lumbars are much larger with a bean shaped body. The spinous process is short and points straight back

A	Spinous Process: On the posterior side of the vertebrae.
B	Lamina: More posterior than the pedicle
C	Pedicle: More anterior than the lamina
D	Transverse Process:
E	Body: The anterior part of the vertebrae.
F	Vertebral Foramen: Opening through which the spinal cord passes.
G	Superior Articular Process: Articulates with the vertebrae above it. Face toward the spinous process.
H	Inferior Articular Process: Articulates with the vertebrae below it. Face away from the spinous process.

*The sacrum is made up of five vertebrae which fuse in adulthood. The sacrum joins with the ilium of the os coxae to form the sacroiliac joint. To distinguish between the posterior and anterior sacrum, look for the median sacral crest as shown in the lateral view. You'll find it on the posterior sacrum.

* In between each pair of vertebrae is the intervertebral disc made of fibrocartilage. It adds support and absorbs shock.

* The opening formed inbetween two "stacked" vertebrae is the intervertebral foramen. Nerves pass through these openings. The spinal cord passes through the vertebral foramen. Don't confuse those.