Vertabrae

=Vertebrae= Just as there are three regions, or curvatures, of the vertebral column, there are three different types of vertabrae. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae. Each type of vertabrae has distinct characteristics. All vertebrae (besides the fused vertebra of the sacrum and coccyx) generally have a body, a vertebral arch, a vertebral foramen (forms vertebral canal for spinal cod), a spinous process, and transverse processes. Variations of this general form distinguish the three types from each other. Each type of vertabrae is suited for the curvature where it lies.

Cervial Vertebrae
Disregarding the unusual atlas and axis, cervical vertabrae exhibit the following variations:
 * ovalur body
 * generally short spinous process
 * large, triangular vertebral foramen
 * transverse foramen within transverse processes

Thoracic Vertebrae
The 12 thoracic vertebras articulate with the ribs and are therefore suited for this. Thoracic vertebrae variations include:
 * heart-shaped body
 * long, pointy spinous process
 * circular vertebral foramen
 * generally, transverse processes faceted for articulation with ribs

Lumbar Vertebrae
The five stress-bearing vertebras of the lumbar region exhibit enhanced weight-bearing characteristics:
 * massive, kidney shaped body
 * short and flat spinous processes; articulate with powerful back muscles
 * triangular vertebral foramen
 * facets face inward, providing more stability

Picture from google image