Back and Vertebral Column Flashcards
How many regions are in the vertebral column?
5 regions
How many individual vertebrae are there?
33
What is the function of the vertebral column?
- weight-bearing
- protection
- movement
- site of muscle attachments
What are two types of abnormal curvatures?
- excessive thoracic kyphosis
- excessive lumbar lordosis
- scoliosis
What are features of a typical vertebra?
- vertebral body
- pedicle
- transverse process
- superior & inferior articular processes
- lamina
- spinous process
- foramen transversarium (only found in cervical)
What are the 5 different types of vertebrae?
1.) cervical
2.) thoracic
3.) lumbar
4.) sacral
5.) coccygeal
What are intervertebral discs responsible for?
Shock absorption
What is the composition of intervertebral discs?
A central core with high water content surrounded by rings of fibrocartilage
What happens from a ‘slipped disc”?
- herniated nucleus pulposus
- compressed nerve roots
What are the three types of meninges?
- pia mater
- arachnoid mater
- dura mater
What are meninges?
- coverings of the spinal cord
- cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in subarachnoid space
What type of joint is present in the intervertebral discs?
Symphysis
What type of joint is present in facet joints?
Synovial plane
What type of joint joins the vertebrae to the ribs?
Synovial plane
What type of joint joins the skull & atlas?
Synovial ellipsoid
