Vertebrate

• What is the function of the Atlas vertebrae?

  Supports the weight of the head and enables complex neck movements
• What is the structure of the Atlas vertebrae?

  Composed of two lateral masses joined by dorsal and ventral arches
• What is the function of the Axis vertebrae?

  Acts as the pivot for the rotation of the head and Atlas
• What is the structure of the Axis vertebrae?

  Has a cylindrical body and ventral crest
• How many cervical vertebrae do most mammals have?

  7
• Which mammals are exceptions to the typical number of cervical vertebrae?

  Manatee, two-toed sloth, three-toed sloth
• What is the function of the thoracic vertebrae?

  Protects the spinal cord and provides muscle attachment points
• What is the structure of the thoracic vertebrae?

  Slightly bony rod with limited flexibility
• What is the function of the lumbar vertebrae?

  Supports body weight and protects the spinal cord
• What is the structure of the lumbar vertebrae?

  Longer in size, more uniform, shorter spinous processes
• What is the function of the sacrum?

  Strengthens and stabilizes the pelvis, connects spine to lower body
• What is the structure of the sacrum?

  Single bone, concave, inverted triangular shape
• What is the function of the caudal/coccygeal vertebrae?

  Serves as the attachment site for pelvic ligaments and tendons
• What is the structure of the caudal/coccygeal vertebrae?

  Reduces in size gradually, simple cylinder shape at the end
• Why does the number of thoracic vertebrae differ between species?

  Due to variations in body structure and function
• Why do the lumbar vertebrae have shorter spinous processes?

  To allow for greater flexibility and movement
• If an animal has a fused sacrum, what is the likely benefit?

  Increased stability and strength in the pelvic region
• How does the structure of the Atlas differ from the Axis?

  Atlas has lateral masses and arches, Axis has a cylindrical body
• What are the key differences between thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?

  • Thoracic: slightly bony rod, limited flexibility, protects spinal cord
  • Lumbar: longer, more uniform, shorter spinous processes, supports body weight
• What are the functions and structures of the sacrum?

  Functions:

  • Strengthens and stabilizes the pelvis
  • Connects spine to lower body
  • Protects nerves

  
  

  Structure:

  • Single bone
  • Concave, inverted triangular shape
• How does the sacrum affect movement in animals?

  • Provides stability for pelvic movement
  • Connects spine to hind limbs, enabling locomotion
  • Protects nerves involved in lower body movement
• What are the exceptions to the typical number of cervical vertebrae in mammals?

  • Manatee: 6 cervical vertebrae
  • Two-toed sloth: 5 or 6 cervical vertebrae
  • Three-toed sloth: 9 cervical vertebrae
• What are the key structural features of the caudal/coccygeal vertebrae?

  • Gradually reduce in size
  • Simple cylinder shape at the end
  • In some species, ventral surfaces fuse to form hemal arches
• What are the functions of the cervical vertebrae?

  • Support the head
  • Enable a range of neck movements
  • Protect the spinal cord
• How do the thoracic vertebrae protect the spinal cord?

  • Stack together to form a central canal
  • Provide attachment points for muscles that stabilize the spine
  • Limited flexibility reduces risk of injury
• How does the structure of the lumbar vertebrae support body weight?

  • Longer size and uniform shape distribute weight evenly
  • Flat articular surfaces reduce stress on joints
  • Shorter spinous processes allow for greater flexibility
• What are the key differences between the Atlas and Axis vertebrae?

  • Atlas: supports head, enables neck movement, composed of lateral masses and arches
  • Axis: pivot for head rotation, has a cylindrical body and ventral crest
• What are the functions of the caudal/coccygeal vertebrae?

  • Serve as attachment sites for pelvic ligaments and tendons
  • Protect caudal vessels in some species
  • Provide flexibility for tail movement
• How does the structure of the sacrum contribute to its function?

  • Single bone provides strength and stability
  • Concave shape allows for nerve protection
  • Inverted triangular shape connects spine to pelvis effectively
• What are the key structural features of the lumbar vertebrae?

  • Longer in size
  • More uniform in shape
  • Shorter spinous processes
  • Flat articular surfaces
• How do the thoracic vertebrae differ between species?

  • Number of thoracic vertebrae varies
  • Shape and size may differ based on body structure
  • Flexibility and muscle attachment points may vary
• How does the structure of the Atlas enable complex neck movements?

  • Lateral masses and arches allow for articulation with the cranium and Axis
  • Provides support for the head while enabling rotation and flexion
• What are the key functions of the sacrum?

  • Strengthens and stabilizes the pelvis
  • Connects the spine to the lower body
  • Protects nerves involved in lower body function
• How do the lumbar vertebrae differ from the thoracic vertebrae?

  • Lumbar: longer, more uniform, shorter spinous processes, flat articular surfaces
  • Thoracic: slightly bony rod, limited flexibility, protects spinal cord
• How does the structure of the Axis enable head rotation?

  • Cylindrical body and ventral crest act as a pivot
  • Articulates with the Atlas to allow rotational movement
• What are the key structural features of the thoracic vertebrae?

  • Slightly bony rod
  • Limited flexibility
  • Forms a central canal to protect the spinal cord
• How do the caudal/coccygeal vertebrae differ between species?

  • Number of vertebrae varies
  • Shape and size may differ
  • Presence of hemal arches in some species
• How does the structure of the lumbar vertebrae support movement?

  • Longer size and uniform shape distribute weight
  • Flat articular surfaces reduce joint stress
  • Shorter spinous processes allow for greater flexibility
• What are the key functions of the thoracic vertebrae?

  • Protect the spinal cord
  • Provide attachment points for muscles
  • Stack together to form a central canal
• How do the cervical vertebrae enable a range of movement?

  • Round vertebral body allows for flexibility
  • Articulations between vertebrae enable rotation and flexion
  • Supports the head while allowing movement