Vertebral column

• these vertebrae do not join with the ribs

  cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)
• C1 is also known as


  atlas
• act as a pivot

  C2 (axis)
• C2 also known as

  axis
• these vertebrae joins with the 12 pairs of ribs

  thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12)
• they are the strongest and largest of the back bone

  lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
• a slightly curved triangular bone, composed of five separate segments, or sacral bone that gradually become fused


  sacrum
• a tailbone also fused bone formed from four small coccygeal bones


  coccyx