Identifying Bones of the Trunk and Core - Anatomy

The thoracic vertebrae have facets called costal pits, with which the ribs articulate. No other types of vertebrae have this feature, nor do other types of vertebrae articulate with the ribs.

The most superior portion of the sternum is the manubrium. The body of the sternum is just inferior to the manubrium. The xiphoid process is the most inferior portion of the sternum. The clavicle and the humerus are not part of the sternum.

The middle portion of the sternum is the body of the sternum. The most superior portion of the sternum is the manubrium. The xiphoid process is the most inferior portion of the sternum. The clavicle and the humerus are not part of the sternum.

The most inferior portion of the sternum is the xiphoid. The most superior portion of the sternum is the manubrium. The body of the sternum is just inferior to the manubrium. The clavicle and the humerus are not part of the sternum.

The sternum is composed of 3 separate portions: the manubrium, the body of the sternum, and the xiphoid process.

The xiphoid is composed of cartilage in children. By adulthood, this cartilage has undergone ossification and is replaced by bone.

The clavicles insert in the most superior portion of the sternum known as the manubrium. The clavicles do not insert into the body of the sternum, the xiphoid process, the humerus, or the supraspinatus muscle.

The sternal angle separates the manubrium and the body of the sternum.

The first rib inserts on the manubrium of the sternum.

The second rib inserts at the sternal angle. The first rib inserts on the manubrium and the third through six ribs insert on the body of the sternum.

The third through sixth ribs insert at the body of the sternum. They do not insert at the manubrium, xiphoid process, clavicle, or the humerus.

The jugular notch, also known as the suprasternal notch is located at the superior portion of the manubrium. It is not located on the body of the sternum, the xiphoid process, the clavicle or the humerus.

The xiphisternal joint separates the body of the sternum and the xiphoid process. The sternal angle separates the manubrium and the body of the sternum.

Primary curvature is found in newborns, whereas secondary curvature develops over time. The thoracic and sacral portions of the vertebral column are convex, giving babies a more hunched posture.

Atlas is another term for C1. Its superior articular facets receive the condyles of the occipital bone in the skull, which allows the neck to move backwards and forwards. The axis, or C2, has a superiorly projecting dens that distinguishes it from the atlas.

The hyoid bone acts as an attachment point for many muscles in the neck. When swallowing, the larynx is elevated and the epiglottis is removed from the glottis, allowing matter into the esophagus.

The cervical vertebrae have a foramen in the transverse process. These foramina transmit the vertebral arteries that help supply the brain. There are no foramina in the thoracic, lumbar, or coccygeal vertebrae; the sacral vertebrae have only sacral foramina.

The top two cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) are responsible for allowing the head to move in a nodding motion, as well as side to side. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1), and attaches to the occipital condyles in order to allow a nodding motion. The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) and allows for twisting motion from side to side.

The thoracic vertebrae are located in the trunk and allow for twisting motion, and some bending (though this is mostly allowed by the lumbar region). The sacrum is located inferior to the lumbar vertebrae and does not substantially contribute to movement.

There are 33 vertebrae in the human body: 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 (fused) sacral vertebrae, 3-4 (fused) coccygeal vertebrae.