Human Skeleton and Body Parts
Published by The Human skeleton provides support, protection, surfaces for muscles attachments, enables movement, stores minerals (calcium and phosphate) and is a site for the production of red blood cells.
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The Structure of a Vertebra
The neural spine and the transverse process serve as a surface for muscle attachments. The neural spine extends backwards while the transverse process is a lateral extension of the vertebra. The neural canal of the entire vertebra together forms a long canal which is occupied by the spinal cord. The centrum is the solid portion of the vertebra that provides support and resists compression.
Image by justin via Flickr
Each type of vertebra possesses specific shape and characteristics depending on the respective functions carried out and their position in the vertebral column.
a) Atlas is the name given to the first cervical vertebra. The atlas vertebra supports the skull and allows the nodding movement of the head. Atlas hardly has a centrum, has a big neural canal, small neural spine and broad, flat transverse processes. A pair of canals present on both sides below the transverse process allows the passage of the vertebral artery.
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
b) Axis is the second cervical vertebra. The centrum is modified to form the odontoid process at the anterior end. This process projects into the neural canal of the atlas allowing the rotating movement between the axis and the atlas. The neural spine is big while the transverse processes are small. Vertebrarterial canals are present.
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On July 8, 2009 at 5:07 am
This is an astounding article. Very self explanatory to the layman. Great work Liz
On July 8, 2009 at 6:04 am
Very good MrGhaz and nice timing for me. I am going back to college in August for an associate degree in applied science/medical office technology and am sure this article will benefit me. I seem to retain information better when I can visualize it. Thank you!
On July 8, 2009 at 8:52 am
Interesting article.
On July 8, 2009 at 9:20 am
A fantastic review of human anatomy and the structural framework which allows us to function in life with ease. Thanks for sharing my friend.
On July 8, 2009 at 10:26 am
Excellent article. I have a son born with spinabifida and through the years have collected many books on anatomy. This is so concise it rolls them all into one.
I’ve bookmarked the page.
On July 8, 2009 at 10:45 am
You’re really good in this area. Clap and liked it 4 u.
On July 8, 2009 at 11:43 am
Thanks for the reminder. I got a 100% in ANA 1 and 2. I know this stuff backwards and forwards
On July 8, 2009 at 11:52 am
Outstanding write-up…….Great work
On July 8, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Great, informative article, Mr Ghaz.
On July 8, 2009 at 7:27 pm
A great, informative piece as usual, Mr. G. Keep it up.
On July 8, 2009 at 10:47 pm
now this is an article with a backbone..
On July 9, 2009 at 12:14 am
Excellent explained,great job.
On July 9, 2009 at 12:52 am
Interesting article. Thanks.
Inna
On July 9, 2009 at 2:10 am
Wow, very informative and well written!
Lots of thought and time must have went into this, it shows.
Thanks for sharing!
On July 9, 2009 at 2:23 am
Informative, educational and well written as always.
On July 9, 2009 at 3:28 am
As always, another very informative article, you give so much information, seems there is a bit of new information I learn with each one. Thanks for sharing with us.
On August 10, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Great article as always. well done! Keep it up
On June 27, 2011 at 4:09 am
i am believe that skeleton
On October 26, 2011 at 7:29 am
WOW,great work !! nice article ..