1 Flashcards
What provides flexible support for the trunk and head?
Vertebral Column
What transmits weight of the trunk and upper extremities to the lower extremities?
Vertebral Column
Where does the spinal canal begin and end?
Begins at base of skull and extends to sacrum
What forms the spinal canal?
Succession of the vertebral foramen
What is enclosed and protected by the spinal canal?
Spinal Cord
Where does the spinal cord begin?
Below the medulla oblongata
Where does the spinal cord continue until?
Lower border of L1
What is the pointed end of the spinal cord called?
Conus medullaris
What continues inferiorly from the conus medullaris?
Cauda Equina
What separates adult vertebrae?
Intervertebral Disks
What do intervertebral disks allow?
Flexibility
How many sections are in the vertebral column?
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, Coccyx
How many vertebrae are in the cervical section?
First 7 vertebrae
How many vertebrae are in the thoracic section?
Middle 12 vertebrae
How many vertebrae are in the lumbar section?
Final 5 vertebrae
What is the sacrum shaped like?
Shovel-shaped bone
How many separate bones does a child have in the vertebral column?
33 separate bones
How many separate bones does an adult have in the vertebral column?
26 separate bones
What do the curves of the spine help maintain?
Balance along center of gravity
What are the primary curves of the spine?
- Thoracic
- Sacral
What are compensatory (secondary) curves?
- Cervical
- Lumbar
What is lordosis?
Exaggerated lumbar curvature
What is kyphosis?
Abnormal posterior convexity of thoracic spine
What is scoliosis?
Abnormal lateral curvature of the spinal column
What is the typical vertebra’s body?
Thick weight-bearing portion
What is the vertebral arch?
Ring or arch of bone that extends posterior from the body
What forms the zygapophyseal joint?
Superior articular and inferior articular processes
What are intervertebral joints?
Joints between vertebral bodies
What are costal joints?
Articulations between ribs and thoracic vertebrae
What forms intervertebral foramina?
Superior and inferior vertebral notches
What is the outer portion of the intervertebral disk called?
Annulus fibrosus
What is the inner portion of the intervertebral disk called?
Nucleus pulposus
What distinguishes cervical vertebrae from typical vertebrae?
C3-C6 are typical; C7 has an extra long spinous process
What is the atlas (C1) characterized by?
No body, anterior arch
What is the dens or odontoid process?
Part of the axis (C2) that acts as a pivot for head rotation
What are costovertebral joints?
Joints between thoracic vertebrae and ribs
What is unique about the thoracic vertebrae?
Long spinous processes that point inferiorly
What is the angle of the thoracic zygapophyseal joints from the midsagittal plane?
70-75 degrees
What type of joint is the atlantoaxial joint?
Synovial, diarthrodial, gliding
How many foramina do all cervical vertebrae have?
3 foramina (2 transverse, 1 vertebral)
What is the position required to demonstrate cervical intervertebral foramina?
45-degree oblique combined with 15-20° cephalad/caudad angle
What is the total number of bones in the adult vertebral column?
26
Is the thoracic spinal curvature classified as a primary curve?
True
What is an abnormally increased ‘sway-back’ spinal curvature called?
Lordosis
What forms the costotransverse joint?
Tubercle of the rib and transverse process of the vertebra
