Anatomy Flashcards
What is the role of the intervertebral disks
They act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility, forming the anterior wall of the vertebral canal
What is the vertebral joints supported by
Strong ligaments
What is the role of the invertebral foramina?
It allows the passage of spinal nerves
What is the function of the vertebral canal?
It passes through the centre of the vertebral colomn and it encloses the spinal cord, spinal meinges and the spinal nerve roots
When the vertebral column is viewed laterally name AND describe the types of curavtures evident?
-Kyphotic curvature(Primary curvature) in the thoracic and sacral regions and it is present before birth
- Lordotic: It is in the cervical and lumbar regions
When the vertebral column is viewed laterally NAME the types of curavtures evident?
kyphotic- primary
Lordotic- secondary
Where does the vertebrae decrease from?
From the sacrum to the coccyx
Where does the vertebrae increase in size from?
From the cervical to Lumbar regions
How many vertebrae is in the vertebrae column and name the 5 regions it is divided in plus their numbers
33 vertebrae
7 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
5 fused sacral
4 fused coccygeal
What is the functions of the vertebral column
- It protects the spinal cord
- Supports the head and neck
- Transfers body weight to the limbs
What do common vertebrae structures include?
- Anterior vertebral body
- Posterior vertebral arch
- Paired transverse arch
- Superior and inferior Articular processes
- Vertebral foramen
Describe the cervical vertebrae
- It is the smallest vertebrae
- It supports the head and forms the posterior skeleton
- The 7 cervical vertebrae are characterised as typical or atypical
Describe the typical cervical vertebrae and name the Cnumbers included.
- Has a small body, large vertebrae foramen and it has bifid spinal processes
- Consists of C3 - C6
Descibe the atypical cervical vertebrae and name the C numbers included.
C1- It has no vertebral body or spinous process
- and has lateral masses and connects the skull and C2- Has peg like dens that connects with C2s anterior arch
C7- Has long, palpable spinous proceeses
What is the alternative name for the C1
Atlas
What is the alternative name for the C2
Axis
What is the alternative name for the C7
Vertebrae Prominens
What does the thoracic vertebrae contain?
-Long spinous processes that project inferiorly
- Heart shaped ventral bodies
- Superior and inferior articular facets
- Costal facets
What does the Lumbar vertebrae contain
- Large bodies
-short,broad spinous processes - Interarticular part
Describe the contents of the sacral vertebrae
The 5 sacral vertebrae are fused to form the sacrum, which forms the back wall of the pelvis and connects laterally with hip bones
What is the extrinsic muscles and what muscles does it contain
- It is the most superficial muscle and it is involved in stabilising and moving the upper limb.
It includes : Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, the rhomboid major and minor
What are the intrinsic muscles?
They attach to vertebrae or ribs and they are resposnible for moving and supporting the vertebral column.
It is arranged in 3 layers:
- superficial layer
- Intermediate
- Deep
Describe the Superficial layer
It includes the splenius muscle group and the muscles extend and rotates the head and neck
What does the Sacrum contain?
- The sacral canal
- Median sacral crest
- Medial sacral crest
- Sacral foramina
- Promontory
How is the coccyx formed?
By the fusion of 4 small coccygeal vertebrae
Describe the coccyx structure
-It is triangular in shape
-Articulate with the sacrum at the sacrococcygeal joint
Name the joints in the Craniovertebral joints
- Atlanto-Occipital joints
-Atlanto axial joints
What is the Craniovertebral joints?
- They are synovial joints between the skull and C1
Name and explain the 2 joints in the Craniovertebral joints
Atlanto Occipital joints:
- Between the skull and C1 allowing head flexion and extension
Atlanto axial joint:
- Between C1 and C2 allowing head rotation
Name the joints of the vertebral bodies
- Uncovertebral joints
- IIntervertebral joints
Explain the Uncovertebral joints
-Form between the C3 and C7 vertebrae and the vertebral bodies above them
- They develop during child hood due to fissures in intervertebral cartilage
Explain the Intervertebral joints
- Located between the intervertebral disks(IV) and vertebral bodies, acting as shock absorbers.
Explain the Intervertebral (IV) disk structure and height in the intervertebral joint
IV disk structure:
- Composed of an outer fibrous ring and inner gelatinous core
IV disk height
-The IV disk height is the heighest in the cervical and lumbar regions
Name the joints of the vertebral arch and its alternate name
- Zygapophyseal joints
(facet joints)
Explain the zygapophyseal joints
They are synovial joints between the articular facets of adjacent vertebrae. The orientation of the joints differ among regions and influences the degree and direction of movement of the vertebral coloumn
Describe the position and movement of the zygapophyseal joints in the cervical joint
-The joints are in the horizontal plane , allowing movements in various directions
Describe the position and movement of the zygapophyseal joints in the thoracic joint
Joints are in the coronal plane, allowing mainly lateral flexion
Describe the position and movement of the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar joint
- Joints are in the sagittal plane, allowing flexion and extension
Explain the intermediate layer in the intrinsic muscle
- Contains the erector spinae muscle group, the main extensions.
- It stabilises the thoracic and lumbar spine
- Contains 3 muscle groups