26 OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



There are fifty-three bones in the trunk, and they are 

 thus arranged. 



7 Cervical, or neck vertebrae 

 12 Dorsal, or back vertebrae 



I. The Spine, 26 bones 



5 Lumbar, or loin vertebrae 

 i Sacrum, or sacred bone 

 i Coccyx, or cuckoo bone 



II. 24 Ribs (14 True ribs 



( 10 False ribs 



III. i Sternum, or breastbone 



IV. 2 Hip bones 



40. The Spine. The spine, or backbone, serves as a sup- 

 port for the whole body. It is made up of a number of 

 separate bones called vertebrae, between which are placed 

 elastic pads, or cushions, of cartilage. 



These pads not only serve to bind the vertebrae firmly 

 together, but also help to break the force of any shock or 

 jar which the spine may receive, just as the rubber tires 

 of a carriage, an automobile, or a bicycle lessen the jolting 

 which would be felt without them. 



The spine forms a pillar, or column of bones, tapering 

 towards the head. The lower ones are larger and stronger 

 to enable them to bear the weight of those above them. 



At the top are seven cervical, or neck vertebrae ; below 

 them are the twelve dorsal, or back vertebrae, from which 

 spring the ribs. 



The next five bones, called the lumbar, or loin vertebrae, 

 are thicker and larger. 



41. The Sacrum and Coccyx. The twenty-four vertebrae 

 rest on and above a strong, three-sided bone called the 

 sacrum, or sacred bone, which is wedged in between the hip 

 bones like the keystone of an arch. This bone supports 

 the spine and breaks the force of sudden shocks. 



