Back Lecture 3 : Vertebral column, joints, ligaments Flashcards
The vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae, namely :
7 cervical, 12
thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and
three to four coccygeal
vertebrae.
What do the sacral vertebrae fuse into?
The sacral vertebrae fuse into
a single bony element, the
sacrum.
What does the coccygeal vertebrae vary in? What does it often fuse into?
The coccygeal vertebrae vary
in number from three to four, and
often fuse into a single coccyx.
When does the vertebrae become larger?
The vertebrae becomes larger as it descends to the sacrum, from T4
downwards.
What is change in size related to?
Change in size is related to increase in body weight.
Where does the vertebrae reach its maximum size?
Just
above the sacrum, the vertebrae reaches its maximum size and the
weight is transferred to the pelvic girdle via the sacroiliac joint.
What does a typical vertebra contain?
A vertebral body, a vertebral and 7 processes
The vertebral body is the…
weight bearing part and is linked to adjacent vertebra via intervertebral
disc and ligaments
Where does the size increase?
Size increases inferiorly
What does the vertebral body consist of?
Spongy bone enclosed with compact bone
What are the superior and inferior surfaces covered with?
Superior and inferior surfaces are covered with hyaline cartilage ( absent in dried
specimens)
Describe the periphery.
Periphery is smooth- annular epiphysis, and unites to the centrum
What anchors the vertebral arch to the vertebral body?
Vertebral arch is anchored to the vertebral body by two pedicles, and consists
of pedicles and laminae.
What do the vertebral foramina form?
Vertebral Foramina together form the vertebral canal which contains the spinal
cord.
Where does the vertebral canal continue?
Vertebral canal continues superiorly with foramen magnum of the skull.
What is each pedicle notched on?
Each pedicle notched on its superior and inferior surface- superior and inferior
vertebral notches which form the intervertebral foramen
Where does the spinous process project?
Spinous process projects posteriorly from the junction of two laminae.
Where do the 2 transverse process extend?
2 Transverse processes extend poster laterally from junction of lamina and pedicle.
What do the 2 superior articular process and 2 inferior articular processes articulate?
2 superior articular process and 2 inferior articular process articulate forming
zygopophyseal joints.
Where does the spinal cord lie?
The spinal cord lies within
the canal
What is the spinal cord surrounded by?
Spinal cord is surrounded
by three connective tissue
membranes- meninges
What is the pia mater intimately associated with?
Pia mater-innermost layer:
intimately associated with
the spinal cord
What separates the arachnoid mater from the pia mater?
Arachnoid materseparated from the pia
mater by the subarachnoid
space contains CSF
What separates the dura mater from the bone?
Dura mater-is separated from the bone by the extradural/epidural space containing loose connective tissue, fat, venous plexus.
Where do the 31 pairs of spinal nerves emerge?
The 31 pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the vertebral canal between pedicals and adjacent vertebrae-intervertebral foramina
The 31 pairs of spinal nerves :
8 cervical(C1-C8), 12
thoracic (T1-T12), 5 lumbar
(L1-L5), 5 sacral(S1-S5), 1
coccygeal (Co)
What helps each spinal nerve to attach to the spinal cord?
Each spinal nerve is attached
to the spinal cord via anterior
and posterior roots.
What does each nerve do after exiting the vertebral canal?
After exiting the vertebral canal via the intervertebral foramen each spinal nerve, branch off into anterior and posterior ramus.
What is the intervertebral foramen formed between?
The foramen is formed between
adjacent vertebral arches and
related to intervertebral joints.
What are the superior and inferior margins formed by?
Superior and inferior margins are
formed by notches of adjacent
pedicles
What is the anterior border formed by?
Anterior border is formed by the
intervertebral disc between the
vertebral bodies of the adjacent
vertebrae
What is the posterior margin formed by?
Posterior margin is formed by the
articular processes of the vertebral
arches and associated joints.
What can the pathology that reduces the size of the intervertebral foramen affect?
Pathology that reduces the size of the intervertebral foramen eg. herniation of IV disc can affect the function of the associated spinal nerve