Anatomy of the Vertebral Column Flashcards
what are the components of the vertebral column?
skin, subcutaneous tissue, vertebral column, spinal cord and meninges, ribs, nerves and vessels and muscles
what are the functions of the vertebrae?
protect spinal cord, support body weight, transmit weight, posture and locomotion, pivot head and axial skeleton
How many lumbar segments are there?
12T, 5L and 5S, 7C
describe the vertebrae segments?
cervical are small and increase in size to lumbar. There are many tiny joints in the column with discs inbetween the vertebrae and facet joint more posteriorly
what is the function of the discs?
shock absorption and flexibility
what are the primary curvatures and what does this mean?
primary means that they are seen in the foetus - these are the thoracic and sacral kyphoses and the secondary develop after these - cervical and lumbar lordoses
what is a common cause of kyphosis?
osteoporosis
what is scoliosis?
the lateral sitting of the spine - individual vertebral bodies rotate giving a lateral curvature
describe the general plan of vertebrae?
they are smaller at top and larger lower. Articular facets are regions of facets that articulate with vertebrae above and below. there is a spinous process in midline for attachment of ligaments and muscles, the vertebral foramen is the hole between body and arch of spinal cord to pass through
what is the function of the vertebral arch?
attachments and site for spina bifida
what happens in spina bifida?
content of the canal herniate out as no arch protecting it and therefore there are neurological symptoms as a result
what are unique factors of Cervical vertebrae?
modified transverse process and transverse foramen is unique with a more triangular shaped and large foramen
why is the cervical spine more prone to subluxation and dislocation?
the articular facets are more on a horizontal plane
which artery supplies the cervical vertebrae?
the vertebral artery and it comes from the subclavian
which vertebrae are highly atypical?
C1 and 2
what is the dens held in place by?
the transverse ligament of atlas to maintain the stability of the joint
why is the dens prone to fracture?
it is less dense and can be caused by hyperextension or hyperflexion
how would you assess dens?
get patient to open mouth wide and see articulation at back between atlas and axis
describe the thoracic vertebrae?
the vertebral body is heart shaped with superior and inferior costal demifacets for articulation with the head of the rib. The spinous process is long and the transverse process has a costal facet for articulation with the tubercle of the rib. The articular facets - superior faces posteriorly and inferior anteriorly. There is a round foramen
in costovertebral joints what does the head of the rib articulate with?
the superior demifacet of the corresponding vertebrae and the inferior demifacet of the vertebrae above
which vertebrae are most commonly fractured in the thoracic spine?
T11 and T12
what does osteoporosis lead to?
excessive thoracic kyphosis, height loss, pain and reduced mobility
what does ageing do to vertebral bodies?
there is loss of bone density and therefore there is concavity in the vertebral bodies
describe the lumbar vertebrae?
there are large vertebral bodies with articular facets of which the superior faces medially and the inferior laterally. The spinous process is more short and sturdy and it can take more weight of body. There is no articulation with ribs and a triangular smaller foramen.
