Back and Vertebral Column Flashcards
How many vertebrae are in the vertebral column?
There are 33 vertebrae in the vertebral column.
What are the five regions of the vertebral column?
The five regions are:
- Cervical (7)
- Thoracic (12)
- Lumbar (5)
- Sacral (5 fused)
- Coccygeal (4 fused)
What are the primary functions of the vertebral column?
The primary functions are:
- Protection
- Support
- Movement
- Flexibility
- Site of muscle attachment
- Haematopoiesis
How many curvatures are present in the adult spine?
There are four curvatures in the adult spine.
What is the curvature of the fetal spine?
The fetal spine has a C-shaped curvature.
What are the primary curvatures of the spine?
The primary curvatures are concave anterior (kyphoses):
Thoracic kyphosis
Sacro-coccygeal kyphosis
What are the secondary curvatures of the spine?
The secondary curvatures are concave posterior (lordoses), which develop after birth:
Cervical lordosis (develops when the child lifts their head)
Lumbar lordosis (develops when the child stands and walks)
Name the types of lordosis and kyphosis in the spine.
Cervical lordosis
Thoracic kyphosis
Lumbar lordosis
Sacro-coccygeal kyphosis
What is the vertebral column?
The bony structure that forms the backbone, consisting of individual vertebrae that provide support, flexibility, and protection for the spinal cord.
How many vertebrae are in the cervical region, and what is its function?
The cervical region has 7 vertebrae (C1-C7) that support the skull and allow for head movement.
What is the thoracic region composed of?
The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12) that articulate with the ribs and stabilize the thoracic cavity.
What is the significance of the lumbar region?
The lumbar region has 5 vertebrae (L1-L5) that support the weight of the upper body and allow for flexibility and movement.
How many vertebrae are fused in the sacral region?
The sacral region is formed by the fusion of 5 vertebrae (S1-S5) and connects the spine to the pelvis.
What is the coccygeal region also known as, and how many vertebrae does it contain?
The coccygeal region is known as the tailbone, consisting of 4 fused vertebrae (Co1-Co4).
What is kyphosis?
Kyphosis is an excessive outward curvature of the spine, typically in the thoracic region, leading to a hunchback appearance.
What does lordosis refer to?
Lordosis refers to an exaggerated inward curvature of the spine, typically in the lumbar or cervical regions.
What are primary curvatures, and which curvatures are included?
Primary curvatures are present at birth, concave anteriorly, and include thoracic kyphosis and sacro-coccygeal kyphosis.
How do secondary curvatures develop?
Secondary curvatures develop after birth; cervical lordosis forms when the child lifts their head, and lumbar lordosis forms when the child stands and walks.
What are the main components of a typical vertebra?
The main components of a typical vertebra include the body, vertebral arch, and vertebral foramen.
What are the main components of a typical vertebra?
The main components of a typical vertebra include the body, vertebral arch, and vertebral foramen.
What is the function of the vertebral body?
The vertebral body provides support and weight-bearing for the vertebral column.
What structures compose the vertebral arch?
The vertebral arch is composed of the pedicles and laminae.
What is the role of the pedicle in a vertebra?
The pedicle connects the vertebral body to the vertebral arch and provides structural support.
What is the function of the lamina in a vertebra?
The lamina forms the posterior part of the vertebral arch and protects the spinal cord by enclosing the vertebral foramen.
What is the vertebral foramen?
The vertebral foramen is the central opening in a vertebra that houses the spinal cord.
What is the function of the transverse processes?
The transverse processes serve as points of muscle attachment and allow for the articulation of ribs in the thoracic region.
What is the significance of the spinous process?
The spinous process projects posteriorly and serves as a point of attachment for muscles and ligaments, aiding in spinal stability.
What does the superior articular process articulate with?
The superior articular process articulates with the inferior articular process of the vertebra above it, forming a facet joint.
What is the role of the inferior articular process?
The inferior articular process articulates with the superior articular process of the vertebra below, allowing for movement and flexibility of the spine.
What is the superior articular facet?
The superior articular facet is a smooth, flat surface on the superior articular process that forms a joint with the inferior articular facet of the vertebra above.
What is the inferior articular facet?
The superior articular facet is a smooth, flat surface on the superior articular process that forms a joint with the inferior articular facet of the vertebra above.
What is the inferior articular facet?
The inferior articular facet is a smooth surface on the inferior articular process that forms a joint with the superior articular facet of the vertebra below.
What is unique about the vertebral foramen in cervical vertebrae?
The vertebral foramen in cervical vertebrae is triangular and large, accommodating the cervical enlargement of the spinal cord.
What is the function of the transverse foramina in cervical vertebrae?
The transverse foramina allow the passage of the vertebral arteries and veins, which supply blood to the brain.
What role do the superior articular processes/facets play in cervical vertebrae?
The superior articular processes/facets articulate with the inferior articular processes of the vertebra above, allowing for flexibility and movement in the cervical region.
Which cervical vertebrae have a bifid spinous process?
The bifid spinous process is characteristic of cervical vertebrae C2 to C6, providing additional surface area for muscle attachment.
What are the features of the transverse processes in cervical vertebrae?
The transverse processes of cervical vertebrae have anterior and posterior tubercles, which serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments.
Describe the BODY (endplates) of cervical vertebrae.
The endplates of cervical vertebrae are short, oval, and curved, helping to facilitate the articulation between adjacent vertebrae.
What is the orientation of the superior articular facets in cervical vertebrae?
The superior articular facets of cervical vertebrae are oriented at a 45° angle, facing superoposteriorly (upward and backward), allowing for a wide range of movement in the neck.
What is the shape and size of the thoracic vertebrae’s vertebral foramen?
The vertebral foramen is round and relatively small in thoracic vertebrae.
What can be observed from the superior view of a thoracic vertebra?
The superior view shows the heart-shaped body, small vertebral foramen, and the posterior projection of the spinous process.
How does the spinous process of thoracic vertebrae project?
The spinous process is long and projects downwards, overlapping with the vertebra below.
What is the shape of the thoracic vertebrae’s body, and how are its endplates characterized?
The body is heart-shaped with flat endplates, helping to articulate with adjacent vertebrae and ribs.
In which direction do the superior articular facets of thoracic vertebrae face?
The superior articular facets face posteriorly at an angle of approximately 60°.
What role do costal facets play in the thoracic vertebrae?
Back: Costal facets allow for articulation with the head and tubercle of ribs, forming costotransverse and costovertebral joints.
What is visible in the lateral view of a thoracic vertebra?
The lateral view highlights the articulation with ribs through costal facets, the downwards-projecting spinous process, and the characteristic shape of the vertebral body.
What can be observed from the superior view of a lumbar vertebra?
The superior view of a lumbar vertebra shows a large, kidney-shaped body with flat endplates, a triangular vertebral foramen, and short, square spinous processes.
What are the key features seen in the lateral view of a lumbar vertebra?
Back: The lateral view highlights the large, kidney-shaped vertebral body, short and square spinous processes projecting posteriorly, and the absence of costal facets (since they do not articulate with ribs).
Describe the shape and size of the vertebral foramen in lumbar vertebrae.
Back: The vertebral foramen in lumbar vertebrae is large and triangular in shape, providing space for the lumbar segment of the spinal cord.
How do the spinous processes of lumbar vertebrae appear and project?
The spinous processes are short, square-shaped, and project directly posteriorly, providing attachment points for strong back muscles.
What is the shape and characteristic of the lumbar vertebral body?
The vertebral body is large, kidney-shaped, and has flat endplates to support the weight-bearing functions of the lumbar spine.
In which direction do the superior articular facets of lumbar vertebrae face?
The superior articular facets face posteromedially at a 90° angle, allowing for flexion and extension while limiting rotational movement.
What is the significance of the lumbar vertebrae’s large body in terms of load-bearing?
The large, kidney-shaped body of the lumbar vertebrae is designed to support the significant load of the upper body, with flat endplates that distribute weight evenly to intervertebral discs, making them essential for weight-bearing stability.
What is the main feature of Atlas (C1) observed in the superior view?
The superior view of the Atlas (C1) reveals the superior articular surface of the lateral masses, which articulate with the occipital condyles of the skull.
What can be seen in the posterior view of Axis (C2)?
The posterior view of the Axis (C2) shows the posterior arch and the large dens (odontoid process) projecting superiorly.
What is the role of the dens (odontoid process) of the Axis (C2)?
The dens (odontoid process) is a bony projection that fits into the anterior arch of Atlas (C1), allowing for the pivoting motion that facilitates head rotation.
What does the posterior arch and tubercle of Atlas (C1) replace?
The posterior arch and tubercle of Atlas (C1) replace the typical spinous process found in other vertebrae.
What is the function of the superior articular surface of the lateral mass in Atlas (C1)?
The superior articular surface of the lateral mass in Atlas (C1) articulates with the occipital condyles, enabling the nodding motion of the head.
Where is the articular facet for the dens located, and what is its function?
The articular facet for the dens is located on the anterior arch of Atlas (C1) and provides a surface for articulation with the dens (odontoid process) of Axis (C2).
What is the role of the anterior arch and tubercle in Atlas (C1)?
The anterior arch and tubercle replace the vertebral body in Atlas (C1) and provide attachment points for ligaments and muscles.
What distinguishes the superior articular facet of Axis (C2)?
The superior articular facet of Axis (C2) is designed to articulate with the inferior articular surface of Atlas (C1), forming the atlantoaxial joint, which allows head rotation.
Do Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) have vertebral bodies or spinous processes?
No, Atlas (C1) lacks both a vertebral body and a spinous process, while Axis (C2) has a modified body to support the dens.
What is the sacral crest and where is it located?
The sacral crest is a ridge formed by the fusion of the spinous processes of the sacral vertebrae, located on the posterior view of the sacrum.
What are the base and apex of the sacrum?
The base of the sacrum is the broad, superior part that articulates with L5, while the apex is the narrow, inferior part that connects with the coccyx.
What is the auricular surface of the sacrum and its function?
The auricular surface of the sacrum articulates with the ilium, forming the sacroiliac joint, which transfers weight between the spine and pelvis.
What is the function of the superior articular facets of the sacrum?
The superior articular facets of the sacrum articulate with the inferior articular facets of L5 to form the lumbosacral joint.
How many vertebrae are fused to form the sacrum, and how are they numbered?
Five vertebrae are fused to form the sacrum, numbered S1 to S5.
What are transverse ridges on the anterior surface of the sacrum?
Transverse ridges are lines on the anterior surface of the sacrum that mark the fusion of the five sacral vertebrae.
What is the function of the posterior sacral foramina?
The posterior sacral foramina allow the passage of the posterior rami of the sacral spinal nerves.
What is the function of the anterior sacral foramina?
The anterior sacral foramina allow the passage of the anterior rami of the sacral spinal nerves.
What is the sacral canal, and where is it located?
The sacral canal is a continuation of the vertebral canal that runs through the center of the sacrum, containing the sacral spinal nerves.
What is the ala of the sacrum?
The ala of the sacrum refers to the wing-like lateral projections on either side of the base of the sacrum, which help to form the sacroiliac joints.
Which part of the sacrum articulates with the coccyx?
The apex of the sacrum articulates with the coccyx.
Which vertebra does the sacrum articulate with superiorly?
The sacrum articulates superiorly with the L5 vertebra at the lumbosacral joint.
What is the shape of the coccyx?
The coccyx is a small, triangular-shaped bone.
How many coccygeal vertebrae are fused to form the coccyx?
The coccyx is formed by the fusion of 4 (sometimes 3 to 5) coccygeal vertebrae.
What is the function of the coccyx in terms of muscle and ligament attachment?
The coccyx serves as the site for attachment of several muscles and ligaments, including those that contribute to pelvic floor support and movement.
Does the coccyx contain a spinal canal?
No, the coccyx lacks a spinal canal, unlike other vertebrae.
What are the coccygeal horns (cornua), and where are they located?
The coccygeal horns (cornua) are small bony projections on the first coccygeal vertebra (C1), which articulate with the sacrum.
How are the coccygeal vertebrae numbered?
The coccygeal vertebrae are numbered from C1 to C4 (or up to C5 in some individuals).
What kind of structure is the coccyx considered?
The coccyx is considered a rudimentary structure, representing the vestigial remnant of a tail.
What are the three main types of spinal curvature disorders?
The three main types are Hyperkyphosis, Hyperlordosis, and Scoliosis.
What is Hyperkyphosis and its other name?
Hyperkyphosis, also called senile kyphosis or dowager’s hump, is an exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine.
What percentage of older adults are affected by hyperkyphosis, and what is a common cause?
Hyperkyphosis affects 20-40% of older adults, commonly caused by osteoporosis and subsequent vertebral fractures.
What are some structural changes that contribute to hyperkyphosis?
Back: Contributing factors include disc degeneration, reduced loading through the anterior vertebral body, reduced anterior bone mineral density (BMD), and anterior wedge fractures.
What is Hyperlordosis and its other name?
Hyperlordosis, also called swayback, is an excessive anterior curvature of the lumbar spine.
What are common causes of hyperlordosis?
Common causes of hyperlordosis include muscle weakness, poor posture, obesity, and pregnancy.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a lateral deviation of the spine, often associated with compensatory curves to maintain balance.
What is the prevalence of scoliosis, and who is most affected?
Scoliosis occurs in 3% of the population and is more common in females (4:1 F
ratio), with the highest prevalence between 10-20 years.
What is the cause of scoliosis in most cases?
The cause of scoliosis is idiopathic in 65% of cases, meaning it is usually unknown.
