The Vertebral Column

Part A. Identify and describe the regions of the vertebral column. Be specific in your answers to the following:

Name the regions of the vertebral column, and identify major curvatures.
Identify the number of vertebrae in each region, and how they are numbered.
Describe in detail each individual region, both features and function(s). What makes each region unique?                                                                                                                       
What are the atlas and the axis? Discuss them in the context of the region in which they are located.
Describe in detail, the anatomical structures/parts of the vertebrae. (see pages 150-151; figures 6.19, p.150, figure 6.20, p.150, and figure 6.21, p. 151 to aid your discussion.)  What are the functions of each of these structures; how does each one contribute to the vertebral column? For example, what is the purpose of a foramen in overall function of the vertebral column? The different processes? Etc.
Compare the features of the regions; for example, how do the bodies of the cervical vertebra compare to the bodies of the lumbar region? Etc.
Part B.

What are the major functions of the vertebral column?
Which region(s) and/or structure(s) contribute to each of the five functions, and how?

Your response should be at least 1 page in length.