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.