2 - regional variation in the vertebral column

Question 1

only mammals have

Answer 1

lumbar vertebrae

Question 2

lumbar spine facilitates

Answer 2

flexion and extension

Question 3

thoracic spine facilitates

Answer 3

rotation

Question 4

the motion segment

Answer 4

the functional unit of the spine
2 vertebrae plus the joints in between
have anterior and posterior components

Question 5

anterior components of the motion segment

Answer 5

passive, load bearing

• adjacent vertebral bodies
• anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
• intervertebral disks - symphysis joints

Question 6

posterior componetns

Answer 6

dynamic, control of motion, levers for muscles

most of these bony features are derived from the neural arch element

Question 7

the intervertebral disks joint

Answer 7

type of symphysis joint

Question 8

function of the intervertebral disk

Answer 8

primarily transmits loads, but also allows/limits movements

Question 9

4 components of the intervertebral disk

Answer 9

nucelus contained within an envelope

1. annulus fibrosus
2. nucleus polposus
3. cartilage end plate
4. annular apophysis

Question 10

apophysis is called epiphysis until

Answer 10

it has finished gorwing

Question 11

annulus fibrosus

Answer 11

many lamellae (layers) of fibrocartilage 
- outer layers attach directly to annular apophysis 
inner layers attach into cartilage end plate and encircle nucleus polposus

Question 12

mechanism of the intervertebral disks

Answer 12

pressure in the nucelus polposus is contained by tensile strength of the envelope, which keeps vertebrae apart and able to move

Question 13

problems with the intervertebral disks

Answer 13

weakness in the envelope may allow the nucleus polposus to escape or cause bulging og the annulus fibrosis that presses on other sturctures

Question 14

nucleus polposus contains

Answer 14

collagen fibrils, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid

• mix is very hydrophillic
• water is retained - forms a gel that is 80% water

Question 15

water in the IVD during load bearing activity

Answer 15

water gets squeezzed out during load bearing activities

- nuclear water content replenished during horizontal rest periods via diffuson from end plate cartilage

Question 16

height in the morning vs evening

Answer 16

taller in the morning

Question 17

with aging, the nucleus is gradually replaced with

Answer 17

fibrous tissue

- notochord cells start degenerating at 6 months gestation

Question 18

zygapophysial joints

Answer 18

control direction of spinal motion

Question 19

disc-facet angle

Answer 19

orientation of the disk and the orientation of the facet

Question 20

interfacet angles

Answer 20

orientation of z joints in one motion segment
facet set on the arc of a circle
tangential, allows rotation

Question 21

if there are facets for ribs

Answer 21

thoracic

Question 22

if there are transverse foramina

Answer 22

cervical

Question 23

sacral are

Answer 23

fused

Question 24

which regions have a primary curve

Answer 24

thoracic and sacral

Question 25

which regions have a kyphosis curve

Answer 25

thoracic and sacral

Question 26

which regions have secondary curve

Answer 26

cervical and lumbar

Question 27

which regions have lordosis

Answer 27

cervical and lumbar