Human & Social Biology

Grade: 11
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Friday)
Week 10: 7th – 11th November, 2022
Date: 11th November, 2022 (covered on 18th November, 2022)
The Vertebral Column

The vertebral/spinal column is used to give support to the body, provides attachment for the back

muscles and protects the delicate tissues of the spinal cord. The vertebral column has 33

vertebrae.

- 7 Cervical (neck)

- 12 Thoracic (chest)

- 5 Lumbar (back)

- 5 Sacral

- 4 Coccygeal (tail bone) coccyx

 Human & Social Biology

Cervical

The first two cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) are called atlas and axis respectively. They allow

for rotation and nodding of the head.

 Human & Social Biology

Thoracic

The thoracic vertebrate articulates with the ribs.

Lumbar

The Lumbar vertebrae supports the upper body.

 Human & Social Biology

Sacral

These are fused to give support to the pelvic girdle.

Coccyx

Has no special function

Remember:

The spinal column is made of bone; the spinal cord is made of nervous tissue and is part of the

nervous system.
 Human & Social Biology

Muscles and Movement

Muscles are made up of contractile tissue and are controlled by the nervous system. There are 3

types of muscles:

1. Cardiac Muscles- Found only in the heart. It is an extremely strong muscle that allows the

heart to beat continuously.

2. Smooth Muscles- These muscles are found in the intestinal tract, in the walls of the

arteries and lungs.

3. Skeletal Muscles- These muscles are attached to bones and allows us to move.