Anatomy of Vertebral column Flashcards
What is the spinous process and transverse process?
Projections which allow for muscle attachment on the vertebrae to enable movement
What is the pedicle?
Projections on the vertebrae which provide side protection of the nerves and spinal cord and to connect the anterior and posterior aspects of the vertebrae.
What is the vertebral arch?
Consists of the lamina of the vertebrae and the pedicles which lies between the spinous processes and the transverse processes. They protect the spinal cord.
What is the atlas?
C1 vertebrae which forms an articulation with the occipital bone to form the atlanto-occipital articulation
What is the axis?
C2 vertebrae which forms articulation with C1 called the atlanto-axis articulation.
What is the role of the nucleus polpolus?
Gel which separates the vertebral bodies. When the outer vertebral fibres rupture, this is responsible for herniation of the spinal cord.
What is the role of the annulus?
Fibrocartilage fibres which join the vertebral bodies.
What is the role of the articular process of the vertebrae?
Allows for attachment to the adjacent vertebrae with superior and inferior articular process
What is the vertebral foramen?
Space in the vertebrae where the spinal cord runs through.
How does the vertebrae change down the vertebral column?
Vertebral body becomes larger and in the thoracic vertebrae, transverse processes articulate with the ribs.
Which vertebrae do not have an intervertebral disc?
Atlas and axis
What is a feature of the transverse process in the thoracic vertebrae?
Articulates with the ribs
What is the superior articular process?
Articulates with the inferior articular process of the superior vertebrae
What is the inferior articular process?
Articulates with the superior articular process of the inferior vertebrae
What is the transverse foramen?
Allows for the entry of the vertebral artery, vein and the sympathetic nerve
What is the epiphyseal rim?
secondary ossification centre of the vertebral body
What is the nuchal ligament?
Fibrous tissue from the spinous process of T1 to the occipital protuberance to limit forward flexion of the head.
What is the supraspinous ligament?
Fibrous cord which connects the spinous process of C7 to L3/L4.
What is the ligamentum flava?
Connects the lamina of adjacent vertebrae from C2 to S1
What is the interspinous ligament?
Connects adjacent spinous processes
What is the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Runs the length of the spine from C2 to the saccrum to stabilise the bones
What is the erector spinae?
Long muscles originating from the sacrum and extend vertically up the length of the back
What are the transversospinalis?
Rotatores, multifidus and semispinalis which flex and rotate the neck at the spinal joints
What is the erector spinae?
Spinalis, longissimus and iliocostalis to laterally flex the spine and extend the back
