Question

based on your observations, compare typical cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae in relation to the characteristics indicated in the table. the table is partly completed. for your responses, consider characteristics such as size, shape, presence or absence, and unique features.

vertebra	number	size	body	spinous process	transverse foramina
thoracic		intermediate
lumbar					absent

Explanation:

Cervical vertebrae: 7 in number, smallest body size, C2 - C6 have bifid spinous processes, and transverse foramina present. Thoracic vertebrae: 12 in number, intermediate size, body is heart - shaped, spinous processes are long and slope downward, no transverse foramina. Lumbar vertebrae: 5 in number, largest size, body is kidney - shaped, spinous processes are short and broad, no transverse foramina.

Answer:

Vertebra	Number	Size	Body	Spinous Process	Transverse Foramina
Thoracic	12	Intermediate	Heart - shaped	Long, slope downward	Absent
Lumbar	5	Largest	Kidney - shaped	Short and broad	Absent