Anatomy of the back Flashcards
What type of joint is a ZYGAPOPHYSEAL JOINT?
Facet joints
sinovial, plane joints
sits between articulate processes of adjacent vertebrae
innervated by RECURRENT MENINGEAL NERVES
What type of joint is an INTERVERTEBRAL JOINT?
lies between adjacent vertebrae in vertebral column
acts as a ligament holding the vertebrae together
What type of joint is a COSTOVERTEBRAL JOINT?
connect the rib to the vertebral column
ARTICULATION: connects head of rib to bodies of thoracic spinal column
What is the coccyx formed of?
vestigial vertebrae that are fused together
most commonly contains 2-3 segments
What is Luschka’s joint?
Located at C3-C7
Type of uncovertebral joint
common point for bone spurs and degeneration
What are articular processes?
= zygapophyses
projections of vertebra that fit with adjacent vertebra
What is a lamina?
plate or layer
What is a pedicle?
a bone which connects lamina to the vertebral body
Connection is known as a ‘vertebral arch’
What is the spinal canal?
cavity which contains the spinal cord within the vertebral column
What is a spinous process?
bony projection off of the posterior vertebra
This the site of attachment for muscles and ligaments
What is a transverse foramen?
Present in cervical vertebrae
cavity through which the vertebra and artery pass
What is an uncinate process?
hook-shaped
on posterolateral borders of superior surface for C3-C7
What is a transverse process?
lateral process of vertebra
What is the vertebral body?
thick, oval segment of bone
forms the centrum
What is the centrum?
front face of vertebra
What is the primary curvature (of spine)
Thoracic and Sacral
forms during foetal development
What is the secondary curvature (of spine)?
Cervical and lumbar
develops after birth
Cervical develops as infant begins to hold up their own head
What are the main vertebral levels?
C1 atlas C2 axis C3-C6 C7 - prominent spinous process T1-T12 thoracic L1-L5 lumbar Sacrum Coccyx
What are the main distinguishing features of cervical vertebrae?
BODY: smaller
SPINOUS PROCESS: bifid = bifurcates at its distal end
TRANSVERSE PROCESS: transverse foramina through which vertebral arteries travel to brain
ARTICULAR FACETS: cup-shaped or planar
VERTEBRAL CANAL: triangular