Difference Between Cervical and Thoracic Vertebrae

Cervical spine: Beginning at your skull, the cervical vertebrae are the first seven. They are the smaller, lighter vertebrae of your neck. Thoracic spine: The next 12 vertebrae run from your neck down your mid-back. Each forms a joint with your 12 pairs of ribs.

What is the difference between cervical and lumbar vertebrae?

Each structural element of a lumbar vertebra is bigger, wider and broader than similar components in the cervical and thoracic regions. The lumbar spine has more range of motion than the thoracic spine, but less than the cervical spine.

How are thoracic vertebrae different?

The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve small bones that form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk. Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes.

How are cervical vertebrae different?

The cervical spine is much more mobile than the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. Unlike the other parts of the spine, the cervical spine has transverse foramina in each vertebra for the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain.

What are the 4 types of vertebrae?

There are 33 vertebrae in the human spine that are split into four regions that correspond to the curvature of the spine; the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. The vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx are fused, but those of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions are separated by intervertebral discs.

Which vertebra has the Odontoid process?

Description. The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.

What are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?

What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Nerve Damage?

• Significant leg weakness or loss of sensation.
• Loss of feeling in genitals or rectal region.
• No control of urine or stool.
• Fever and lower back pain.
• A fall or injury that caused the pain.

What are the vertebrae in your neck called?

These are the seven bones of the neck, called the cervical vertebra. The top bone, seen on the right of this picture, is called the atlas, and is where the head attaches to the neck. The second bone is called the axis, upon which the head and atlas rotate.

How many vertebrae are in the cervical spine?

The cervical spine functions as bony protection of the spinal cord as it exits the cranium. Despite the presence of seven cervical vertebrae, there are eight pairs of cervical nerves, termed C1 to C8.

Which is the best distinguishing feature of thoracic vertebrae?

Distinguishing features of the thoracic vertebrae include the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies for articulation with the heads of the ribs, and facets on the transverse processes of all, except the 11th and 12th vertebrae, for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs.

Where is thoracic vertebrae located?

The spine in the upper back and abdomen is known as the thoracic spine. It is one of the three major sections of the spinal column. The thoracic spine sits between the cervical spine in the neck and the lumbar spine in the lower back.

What is the function of thoracic vertebrae?

Thoracic (mid back) - the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited. Lumbar (low back) - the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body.

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