Vertebral column

• Vertebrae parts differ by size and shape, namely in order: cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacrum & caudal.
• Cervical vertebrae have short spinous process, short transverse process and small centrum.
• Thoracic vertebrae have long spinous process. Both spinous and transverse process are attachment sites for muscles and ligaments.
• Lumbar vertebrae is the biggest and strongest vertebrae, have short spinous process, and large centrum to bear weight from the lower body.
• Sacral vertebrae are five vertebrae fused together to form a triangular bone.
• Caudal vertebrae are four bones fused together to form a triangular structure that is pointed at one end.