Final answer:
The xiphoid process is the inferior tip of the sternum that becomes ossified with age. The vertebral column supports the head, protects the spinal cord, and serves as an attachment for ribs and muscles. Dermatomes are skin areas innervated by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root, aiding in neurosensory diagnoses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The xiphoid process is the inferior tip of the sternum. This structure is cartilaginous in youth but ossifies during middle age. It serves as an attachment point for various muscles and is significant in the anatomy of the thoracic cavity. The vertebral column, commonly known as the spinal column, consists of 26 bones, including the 24 vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx. It encases the spinal cord, provides support for the head, anchors the ribs, and serves as an attachment site for the back and neck muscles. Each vertebra has a hole for the spinal cord and notches for the exiting spinal nerves. Vertebral columns also have distinctive features, such as the atlas (C1) being a bony ring without a body, and the axis (C2) having the dens for rotational movement of the head.
A dermatome is a specific area of the skin that is innervated by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root. Understanding dermatomes is crucial for diagnosing and treating sensory abnormalities or pain that may arise from nerve damage or compression in specific areas of the spine.