ANATOMY Flashcards
describe the general features of all vertebrae?
it has a body and a vertebral arch. a pair of transverse processes, a pair of superior and inferior articular processes, a spinous process. between the transverse and spinous process we have the lamina of the vertebral arch. between the transverse processes and the body we have the pedicles of the arch. we also have the vertebral foramen down the centre.
what is the function of the transverse processes of the vertebrae?
function as the site of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine as well as the point of articulation of the ribs (in the thoracic spine).
what are the functions of the superior and inferior articular processes of vertebra?
The paired superior articular processes of one vertebra join with the corresponding paired inferior articular processes from the next higher vertebra.
what is the function of the spinous process of vertebra?
provides the point of attachment for muscles and ligaments of the spine.
what is the function of the vertebral foramen?
passageway for the spinal cord down the back.
how are cervical vertebrae different to other vertebrae?
the body is small and wide and has uncinate processes, the vertebral foramen is large and triangular, the transverse processes and short and broad, the spinous process is short and bifid
how are thoracic vertebrae different to other vertebrae?
the body is heart shaped with bilateral costal Demi-facets for rib articulation, the vertebral foramen is circular, the transverse processes are long and angled, the spinous process is long and points posteroinferiorly.
how are lumbar vertebrae different to other vertebrae?
the body is large and kidney shaped, the vertebral foramen is triangular, the transverse processes are long and slender, the spinous process is short thick and stocky.
describe the structure of the atlas (C1)?
ring like with no vertebral body or spinous processes. has lateral masses which are connected by an anterior and posterior arch. it connects to the occipital lobe= Atlanta-occipital joint
describe the structure of the axis (C2)?
it has a prominent bifid spinous process, and a prominent dense. flat superior articular faces angled superolaterally are for articulation to the atlas to form the Atlanta-axial joint.
what type of joints are the intervertebral joints forming?
fibrocartilaginous to allow slight movement of the vertebra
describe the structure of the intervertebral discs?
they are comprised of an outer annulus fibrosis and an inner nucleus pulposus.
describe the ligaments connecting adjacent vertebrae?
interspinous, inter transverse, ligamentum flavus, supraspinous, anterior longitudinal and posterior longitudinal.
what are intrinsic back muscles (aka paraspinal muscles)?
muscles which act primarily on the vertebral column and back. they function to maintain posture.
what are extrinsic back muscles?
muscles which act on the pectoral girdle and upper limb
