Describe how the following vertebrae are adapted to their functions

a) Atlas
Has a wide neural canal; to accommodate the large spinal cord at the neck region; has large/broad wing-like cervical ribs; to increase the surface area for attachment of the neck muscles; has facets on the anterior side; for articulation with the occipital condyles of the skull; allowing up and down movement/nodding of the head; has posterior facets for articulation with the anterior facets of the axis; forming a joint that allows sideways movement of the head;


b) Axis
Has a broad centrum; that projects to form the odontoid process; for articulation with the neural canal of the atlas; a joint that allows turning of the head; has a large and broad/flattened neural spine; and flat cervical ribs; to increase the surface area for attachment of neck muscles;


c) Lumbar
Has many transverse processes; and additional projections (metapophyses, hypapophyses, anapophyses); to offer a large surface area for attachment of abdominal muscles; broad neural canal; to allow passage of the large spinal cord at the upper abdominal area; large/thick centrum; to support the weight of the body; and withstand strains/upthrust force due to movement;


d) Thoracic
Long/elongated neural spine; to offer a large surface area for attachment of the large back muscles; have a large centrum and neural canal; to offer support to the thoracic cage; has tubercular facet on the transverse processes; to articulate with the tuberculum of the ribs; while the capitular demifacets on the centrum; articulates with the capitula of the ribs; together with the ribs and the sternum form the thoracic/rib cage; for protection of heart and lungs; and for breathing process;