Anatomy 23 (Neuro 6) Flashcards
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
How many vertebrae does the sacrum consist of?
5 fused vertebrae
How many vertebrae make up the coccynx
4 or more rudimentary vertebrae
Through which joints does the vertebral column transmit the body weight on to the lower limbs?
Sacroilliac joints
What does the vertebral canal consist of?
Spinal cord and it’s coverings
Spinal nerves
What is the upper most spinous process that is palpable?
7th cervical vertebra
What is the 7th cervical vertebra known as?
‘vertebra prominent’
What is the highest point of the iliac crest in line with?
The interval between L3-L4 spines
When is the sinusoidal shape of the vertebral column developed?
After birth
What shape is the vertebral column in the foetus?
‘C’ shaped with concavity facing anteriorly
When does the secondary curvature develop?
After birth, convexity develops in the cervical region when the child holds up their head and in the lumbar region when the legs start weight bearing
What are movements of the vertebral column?
Forward flexion (40 degrees)
Extension (15 degrees)
Lateral flexion (30 degrees)
Rotation (40 degrees)
In which region is rotation maximum?
Thoracic region
In which region is rotation very limited?
Lumbar region
In which region is flexion and extension very limited and why?
Thoracic region due to the presence of the rib cage
What are the intervertebral discs?
Strong fibrocartilaginous structures that can withstand
compression forces but are flexible enough to allow movements between the vertebrae
What are the 2 parts of the intervertebral discs?
Nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosis
What is the nucleus pulposus?
Well hydrated gel having proteoglycan, collagen and cartilage cells
What is the annulus fibrosus made of?
10-12 concentric layers of collagen whose oblique arrangement alters in successive layers
What is the annulus fibrosus attached to peripherally?
Vertebral bodies as well as to the posterior longitudinal ligament