ANATOMY - Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the four functions of the vertebral column?
Maintenance of posture
Muscle attachment
Encloses and protects spinal cord
Protects structures of the neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis
What type of bones are vertebrae?
Irregular bones
What are the seven main structures found in most vertebrae?
Dorsal spinous process
Transverse processes
Vertebral foramen
Vertebral body
Vertebral arch
Articular facets
Notches
What is the function of the dorsal spinous process and transverse processes?
Increase surface area for muscle attachment
Which structure is formed by the vertebral foramina when the vertebrae are aligned?
Vertebral canal
Which structure is contained within the vertebral canal?
Spinal cord
What are the names of the cranial and caudal surfaces of the vertebral body?
Cranial endplate
Caudal endplate
Which structures make up the lateral border of the vertebral arch?
Pedicles
Which structure makes up the dorsal border of the vertebral arch?
Lamina
What is the function of the articular facets?
Allow for articulation between the adjacent vertebrae
How many articular facets does each vertebra have?
Four articular facets
What type of joint is found between the adjacent vertebrae at the level of the articular facets?
Synovial joint
What is the name of the space between the endplates of adjacent vertebra?
Intervertebral disc space
Which structure is contained within the intervertebral disc space?
Intervertebral disc
What are the two components of the intervertebral disc?
Annulus fibrosis
Nucleus pulposus
What is the function of the nucleus pulposus?
Anti-concussive
What is the function of notches?
Notches align to form the intervertebral foramina which allow spinal nerves to exit the spinal cord and enter the periphery
What are the two unique features of cervical vertebrae?
Ventral projections on the transverse processes
Transverse foramina
What is the function if the ventral projections on the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae?
Point of attachment for hypaxial muscles