Axial Skeleton

• What is the common name for the vertebral column?

  Spine
• What does the vertebral column consist of?

  Approximately 33 irregular shaped vertebrae
• What does the central spinal canal protect?

  Spinal cord
• How many spinal regions can the vertebral column be divided into?

  Four spinal regions
• What are the curves of the spine?

  • Cervical (neck)
  • Thoracic (mid back)
  • Lumbar (low back)
• What does a neutral spine reflect?

  Good posture with correct positioning
• How should the spine appear when viewed from the front?

  Completely vertical
• What are the three main sections that make up the axial skeleton?

  • Skull
  • Vertebral column
  • Rib cage