A2 Spinal Chord

Question 1

Cervical Vertebrae

Answer 1

7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)

Small body,

Transverse foramina (Only here, holes in the transverse foramen where vertebral arteries pass)

Bifid spinous process (fork at end)

C7 Vertebra prominens (extra long)

Spinous processes superposteriorly slowed, superior facets

zygopophysial joints slanted superior and lateral…extension, flexion and lateral flexion (relatively horizontal facets)

Question 2

atlas

Answer 2

C1 Vertebrae

NO BODY, just anterior arch with tubercle

no spinous process, just posterior arch with tubercle

large superior skull facets (for nodding!)

transverse ligament- wraps around dens

Question 3

Axis

Answer 3

C2 Vertebrae

Contains Dens (odontoid process) on small body

superior articular facets for rotation (no) (axis of rotation from here)

Question 4

Primary Curvatures

Answer 4

Curvatures of the back that concave anteriorly

Fetal development

Throacic and Sacral

Also called Kyphosis

Question 5

Secondary Curvatures

Answer 5

Concave Posteriorly

Fully developed adults

-to bear weight

Cervical, Lumbar

Also called Lordosis

Question 6

Improper Curvatures

Answer 6

Hyper Kyphosis “hunchback” - common in elderly

Hyper Lordosis “Swayback” - common in obese or pregnant, anterior tilt of the pelvis

Scoliosis: Lateral Curvature of the Spine, associated with rotation of vertebrae and hemivertebrae. Forward Bend test.

Question 7

Typical Vertebra

Answer 7

Arch: pedicles and spine

transverse processes

spinous processes

articular processes with facets (superior and inferior)

zygopohphysis (articular processes)

facets (joints), zygopophysial joints

intervertebral foramina (between vertebra, under pedicles)

Question 8

intervertebral discs

Answer 8

Anulus Fibrosus: fibrocartilage ring for strong attachment and limits rotation

nucleus pulposes: gel core with a high water content which can herniate

Question 9

Disc Herniation

Answer 9

Typically a posterolateral herniation of the nucleus pulposa

Can compress the spinal chord or cauda equine

Most common in Lumbar region, thickest intervertebral discs, susceptible.

annulus fibrosus is weakest posteriorly, lateral due to ligament _____???

Question 10

Cervical Uncovertebral Joints of Lushka

Answer 10

Uncus (uncinate process). Elevated superolateral margin of the body (Draw)

Can develop painful spurs

Joints appear U shaped from anterior view

Question 11

atlantoaxial joint

Answer 11

3 articulations.

C1-C2 joint

transverse ligament of atlas

Question 12

hangmans fracture and Dens Fracture

Answer 12

fracture of pars interarticularis (in between superior and inferior articular processes (look at it on a bone)

• from hyperextension (hanging)
• basically at middle of vertebral foramin

Dens fracture is fracture of dens. Can happen to dens only: avascular necrosis, or with more body attached: can repair easier.

Question 13

atlanto-axial subluxation

Answer 13

rupture of transverse ligament of the axis

• vertebral injury
• or pathological softening of the ligaments

more likely to slip and cause spinal cord compression than dens fracture

Question 14

Thoracic Region

Answer 14

T1-T12

Small triangular body

Long spinous processes- point inferiorly

lamina close (almost no interlaminar space)

nearly vertical facet (zygopophysial) joints facing anterior and posteriorly
-permits rotation, limits extension/flexion/lateral flexion

RIB articulations

• inferior costal facet (rib below)
• superior costal facet (rib above, same number)
• transverse costal facet (same rib number)

Question 15

Lumbar Region

Answer 15

L1-L5

Large kidney shaped body

short broad spinous process (draw)

Large interlaminar space

facets face medial (superior) and laterally (inferior)

• permits flexion, extension, lateral flexion
• no rotation
• still nearly vertical but other plane

Question 16

Sacrum

Answer 16

Triangular shape
S1-S5 (fused)

8 Anterior/Posterior sacral foramina
-exit branches for spinal nerves

Alae- wings, with LARGE articular surfaces for pelvis

Posterior: median, lateral crests

sacral canal, no cover, mound by two processes called sacral cornua

sacral hiatus- opening of sacral canal

Question 17

Spondylolysis

Answer 17

Fracture of Pars interarticularis

Question 18

spondylolisthesis

Answer 18

complete displacement/dislocation of vertebra resulting from spondylolysis

commonly at L5

Question 19

Caudal Epidural

Answer 19

palpate 4th spinout process & cornua

-isolates the hiatus, can use a shallow injection angle for epidural

Question 20

coccyx

Answer 20

vestigial vertebral bodies (remains of tail)

3-4

small transverse process only on Co1

muscle attachment

some AP mobility

Question 21

Ligaments surrounding vertebrae body

Answer 21

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

• runs along the surface of bodies
• helps restrict extension of vertebral column
• can be ruptured in whiplash

Posterior Longitudinal ligament

• posterior along the bodies
• prevents herniations from going straight back

Question 22

posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 22

within vertebral foramen, becomes tectorial membrane at CV joint???

Question 23

cruciate ligament

Answer 23

transverse ligament of axis plus longitudinal bands

Question 24

alar ligaments

Answer 24

from dens to foramen magnum (??)

Question 25

ligament flava

Answer 25

between laminae (all the way around?)

Question 26

supra and inter spinous ligaments

Answer 26

supraspinous: large ligament outside bodies, over the anterior spinous longitudinal ligament

interspinous ligament: connects the spinous processes

Question 27

ligamentum nuchae

Answer 27

large ligament from C7 to back of head, nuchal ____