Spine Lab
Welcome to the spine lab. In this lab we will be learning more about the axial skeleton. Remember the axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column and sacrum.
Begin by clicking on the following to see the spine.
Rotate the spine using the thumbwheel to 90 degrees to the right.
Begin at the superior part of the spine. Move your cursor over each vertebra beginning with the topmost vertebra C1 (atlas) then moving downward to identify each vertebra of the spine.
You will see that there are 7 cervical vertebra, 12 thoracic vertebra and 5 lumbar vertebra. The bone at the bottom of the spine is called the sacrum.
Notice the curves of the spine. If you have rotated your spine correctly 90 degrees to the right you will see that the cervical curve is a convex curve with the convexity on the anterior side. The thoracic curve is opposite with a concavity facing anterior. The lumbar curve is like the cervical curve with the convexity facing anterior and the sacrum is like the thoracic curve.
The cervical and lumbar curves are called lordotic curves. There is a cervical lordosis and a lumbar lordosis.
The thoracic and sacral curves are called kyphotic curves. There is a thoracic kyphosis and a sacral kyphosis.
The thoracic and sacral curves are called primary curves. Humans are born with these curves. The cervical and lumbar curves are called secondary curves. These curves develop over time as humans learn to hold their heads up, sit up and walk.
People can have problems with these curves. Sometimes the cervical lordosis is lost and the neck area appears straight. Sometimes the lumbar curve is more pronounced.
Click on the following to reorient the spine:
A lateral deviation of the spine is called a scoliosis. These curves can range from mild to severe and usually progress throughout childhood and adolescence. Some become severe enough to warrant surgical correction with steel rods.
Use the magnification slider to the left of the thumbwheel to magnify the spine to a scale of about 1.5x.
Notice the spaces between the vertebra. This is where the discs are located. Each disc consists of fibrocartilage and is named for its location between vertebra. For example L4 disc is located between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra. The L5 disc is located between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.
Click on the following to orient the spine:
Go to C1 and dissect it away by clicking on it. The topmost vertebra is now C2. Notice the process projecting superiorly from C2. This process is called the dens or odontoid process. It forms a pivot joint with the atlas that produces a rotational movement.
Using your textbook study the following vertebra and landmarks:
Atlas (C1)
Axis (C2)
Typical cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebra
Transverse foramen of cervical vertebra
Notice the differences between the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebra. You will be responsible for identifying these vertebra individually.