Skip to main content
Back

Axial Skeleton: Vertebrae, Ribs, and Sternum

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/33

Terms in this set (33)

  • Vertebral Body
    The thick, disc-shaped anterior portion of a vertebra that bears weight.
  • Spinous Process
    A posterior bony projection from a vertebra for muscle and ligament attachment.
  • Transverse Process
    Lateral projections on a vertebra that serve as attachment points for muscles and ribs.
  • Vertebral Foramen
    The large central opening in a vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.
  • Intervertebral Foramen
    Openings between adjacent vertebrae allowing spinal nerves to exit the spinal cord.
  • Superior Articular Process/Facet
    Projections on a vertebra that articulate with the vertebra above.
  • Inferior Articular Process/Facet
    Projections on a vertebra that articulate with the vertebra below.
  • Transverse Foramen
    Paired openings in cervical vertebrae that allow passage of the vertebral artery.
  • Bifid Spinous Process
    A split or forked spinous process found on cervical vertebrae C2 to C6.
  • Vertebra Prominens
    The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) with a prominent spinous process visible at the base of the neck.
  • Atlas (C1)
    The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull; has anterior and posterior tubercles instead of a body.
  • Axis (C2)
    The second cervical vertebra with the dens (odontoid process) that allows head rotation.
  • Transverse Costal Facet
    A facet on thoracic vertebrae transverse processes where ribs articulate.
  • Superior Costal Facet
    A facet on the superior edge of thoracic vertebral bodies for rib articulation.
  • Inferior Costal Facet
    A facet on the inferior edge of thoracic vertebral bodies for rib articulation.
  • Sacral Canal
    A continuation of the vertebral canal within the sacrum that transmits nerves.
  • Sacral Hiatus
    An opening at the inferior end of the sacral canal.
  • Median Sacral Crest
    A ridge formed by fused spinous processes along the midline of the sacrum.
  • Auricular Surface
    An ear-shaped surface on the sacrum that articulates with the ilium of the pelvis.
  • Manubrium
    The broad, upper part of the sternum that articulates with the clavicles and first ribs.
  • Sternal Body
    The elongated middle portion of the sternum where ribs 2-7 attach.
  • Xiphoid Process
    The small, cartilaginous inferior tip of the sternum.
  • True Ribs (Vertebrosternal Ribs)
    Ribs 1-7 that attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilages.
  • False Ribs (Vertebrochondral Ribs)
    Ribs 8-10 that attach indirectly to the sternum via cartilage of the rib above.
  • Floating Ribs
    Ribs 11-12 that do not attach to the sternum at all.
  • Costal Tubercle
    A small bump on a rib that articulates with the transverse process of a thoracic vertebra.
  • Costal Groove
    A groove along the inferior border of a rib that protects blood vessels and nerves.
  • Process
    Any projection or bump on a bone.
  • Trochanter
    A very large bony projection, typically found on the femur.
  • Tuberosity
    A roughened elevation on a bone surface for muscle attachment.
  • Tubercle
    A small, rounded projection on a bone.
  • Fossa
    A shallow depression in a bone.
  • Foramen
    A round passageway through a bone for blood vessels or nerves.