Module 2 Part 3: Vertebrae, Ribs, and Sternum of the Dog

Vertebral Anatomy and Classification00:00:25

The vertebral column is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal regions. Vertebrae are classified as irregular bones, generally consisting of a body, an arc, and several processes including spinous, transverse, and articular processes.

The Vertebral Formula of the Dog00:01:27

The vertebral formula for a dog is C7 T13 L7 S3 Ca 20-24. This sequence denotes the specific count of vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal regions respectively.

Specialized Vertebrae: Atlas and Axis00:04:37

The first cervical vertebra (atlas) and second (axis) are atypical. The atlas supports the skull via its wing-like processes, while the axis contains the dens (odontoid process) to facilitate head rotation through a pivot joint.

Thoracic Vertebrae and Lumbar Features00:06:06

Thoracic vertebrae are identified by tall spinous processes and articulation points for ribs (foveae). Lumbar vertebrae are distinct due to their large, flat transverse processes and additional accessory and mammillary processes.

The Ribs and Sternum00:09:44

The thoracic cage consists of 13 pairs of ribs (sternal, asternal, and floating) and the sternum. The sternum is composed of eight segments called sternebrae, including the manubrium, the main body, and the xiphoid process.