Axial Skeleton 2 Flashcards
What is the vertebral column also known as?
Spinal column
How many irregular shaped bones make up the vertebral column?
26 irregular shaped bones
What are the five different regions of the vertebral column?
- Cervical spine
- Thoracic spine
- Lumbar spine
- Sacrum
- Coccyx
What is the function of the vertebral column?
Transmits the weight of the trunk to the lower limbs and protects the spinal cord
How many cervical vertebrae are present in the human spine?
7 cervical vertebrae
What is the term for the normal curvatures of the spine?
Concave or convex
What is scoliosis?
A lateral curvature of the spine causing a rotation
Define kyphosis.
An exaggerated thoracic curvature in a posterior direction
What does lordosis refer to?
An exaggerated lumbar curvature or sway back
What are the main components of a typical vertebra?
- Body
- Vertebral arch
- Spinous process
- Transverse processes
What does the vertebral foramen form when vertebrae are stacked?
Vertebral canal
What is unique about cervical vertebrae?
They contain transverse foramen for vertebral arteries
What shape is the vertebral body of thoracic vertebrae?
Heart-shaped
What is the function of the lumbar vertebrae?
Weight-bearing of the entire upper limb and trunk
What are C1 and C2 known as?
C1 is the Atlas and C2 is the Axis
What is the purpose of intervertebral discs?
Cushion between vertebral bodies and act as shock absorbers
What is the structure of the sacrum?
Formed by five fused vertebrae
What does the thoracic cage consist of?
- Thoracic vertebrae
- Ribs
- Sternum and costal cartilages
What are the three parts of the sternum?
- Manubrium
- Body
- Xiphoid process
What are true ribs?
Ribs 1-7 that attach directly to the sternum
What are false ribs?
Ribs 8-12 that attach indirectly to the sternum
What are floating ribs?
Ribs 11 and 12 that have no anterior attachment
What is the significance of the sternal angle?
It lies in front of the aortic arch and is a landmark for T4
What is the total number of vertebrae in the vertebral column?
33 in an infant, 26 in an adult
What happens to the coccyx in adults?
It consists of 4 fused vertebrae
What are the typical vertebrae in the cervical region?
C3 to C7
What is a herniated disc also known as?
A slipped disc
What are the components of the rib cage?
- Thoracic vertebrae
- Ribs
- Sternum
What type of curvature do cervical vertebrae exhibit?
Concave
What type of curvature do thoracic vertebrae exhibit?
Convex
What is the function of the dens on the Axis?
Acts as a pivot point for the rotation of the Atlas
Fill in the blank: The vertebral column terminates at the _______.
Coccyx
True or False: The lumbar vertebrae have a larger vertebral foramen than cervical vertebrae.
False
