Regional Features

FEATURES REGIONALS

Allow the differentiation of vertebrae belonging to each region.

There are several elements of differentiation, but it will be sufficient to observe the transverse processes:

Cervical Vertebrae:

They have a small body except the first vertebra. They usually have a bifid and horizontal spinal process and their transverse processes have transverse foramina (passage of vertebral arteries and veins.

CERVICAL VERTEBRA

Source: NETTER, Frank H .. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2 ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

Thoracic Vertebrae:

 The spinous process is not bifurcated and is descending and pointed. The thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs, and the articular surfaces of these vertebrae are called fovea and hemi-fovea. The foveae may be located in the vertebral body, pedicle or transverse processes.

THORACIC VERTEBRA

Source: NETTER, Frank H .. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2 ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

THORACIC VERTEBRA

Source: NETTER, Frank H .. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2 ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

Lumbar Vertebrae:

The vertebral bodies are larger. The spinal process is not bifurcated and is arranged horizontally. It presents the triangular shaped vertebral foramen and nipple processes. It has a well-developed transverse process called the costiform appendix. It can also be differentiated by not having foramen in the transverse process or the costal fovea.

LUMBAR VERTEBRA

Source: NETTER, Frank H .. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2 ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.

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