ANTH 6- Forensic Anthropology
The Postcranial Skeleton I: Vertebra, Sacrum, Coccyx, Ribs, and Sternum
Adapted from: Bass 1995; Burns 1999; Gray 1918; and White 1991

Vertebra (24) (pl. vertebrae)
vertebral body
vertebral foramen
vertebral arch
pedicle
intervertebral foramina
lamina
spinous process
transverse process
superior articular facet
inferior articular facet
costal fovea (pit)

Cervical (7)
atlas (c1)
axis (c2)-odontoid process (dens)
transverse foramina

thoracic (12)
T1, T4, T10, T11, T12
demifacets

Lumbar (5)
L1, L5

Sacrum (pl. sacra)
promontory
ala (pl. alae)
sacroiliac joint (auricular surface)
anterior (pelvic) sacral foramina
superior articular facet
dorsal wall
median crest (spine)
sacral hiatus

Coccyx (pl. coccyges)
cornua

Rib (12 pair) (pl. ribs)
head
neck
tubercle
angle
shaft
costal groove
sternal end
cranial (upper) edge
caudal (lower) edge

Sternum ( (pl. sterna)
manubrium (manubria)
clavicular notches
jugular notch
body a.k.a. gladiolus (gladioli)
sternal foramen (occasional)
xiphoid process

 

 
(courtesy Dr. Lorraine Heidecker)
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