The Framework of the Body 3 1 



THE BONES OF THE TRUNK 



* 43. The Bones of the Trunk. The bones of the trunk 

 may be subdivided into those of the spinal column, the ribs, 

 the sternum, and the hips. 



The trunk includes fifty-three bones usually thus 

 arranged : 



f 7 Cervical Vertebrae. 



12 Dorsal Vertebrae. 



I. Spinal Column, 26 bones : { 5 Lumbar Vertebrae. 



i Sacrum. 

 i Coccyx. 



II. Ribs, 24 bones: j ' 4 I * 

 [ 10 False Ribs. 



III. Sternum. 9>-^*. 

 IV. Two Hip Bones. 



> 44. The Spinal Column. The spinal column, or backbone, 

 is a most marvelous piece of mechanism. It is the central 

 structure, to which all the other parts of the skeleton are 

 adapted. It supports the head, encloses and protects the 

 spinal cord, and forms the basis for the attachment of 

 many important muscles, especially those which maintain 

 the body in an erect position. 



The spinal column consists of numerous separate bones, 

 called vertebrae. The seven upper ones belong to the neck, 

 and are called cervical vertebrae. The next twelve are the 

 dorsal vertebrae ; these belong to the back and support the 

 ribs. The remaining five belong to the loins, and are 

 called lumbar vertebrae. 



Each vertebra has an opening through its center, and 

 the separate bones so rest, one upon another, that these 

 openings form a continuous canal from the head, to the 



