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.