ABSTRACT
The vertebral column serves four functions: it supports the skull, provides anchorage for the ribs, provides anchorage for shoulders and hips and protects the spinal cord. It is divided into five main regions as shown in the figure: cervical (seven vertebrae), thoracic (twelve vertebrae), lumbar (five vertebrae), sacral (five fused vertebrae) and coccyx (2). The coccyx lies at the end of the vertebral column and comprises up to four small fused remnants of vertebrae. Note the kyphosis of the thoracic part and lordosis of the lumbar part of the adult vertebral column are shown in lateral view in the figure.
