Bones Flashcards
How many cervical vertebrae are in the spine?
7
How many thoracic vertebrae are in the spine?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are in the spine?
5
How many sacral vertebrae are in the spine?
5
How many coccygeal vertebrae are in the spine?
3 to 4
3 main functions of the spine
Weight bearing, anchor for muscles and ligaments, protection of the spinal cord
What is the purpose of the curvature of the spine?
Curvature allows the spine to resist pressure and other forces, and offers resilience and flexibility
Major supporting ligaments of the vertebral column:
Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
Function of the anterior longitudinal ligament:
Prevents hyperextension of the spine
Function of the posterior longitudinal ligament:
Prevents hyperflexion of the spine
Shape and attachment of the anterior longitudinal ligament:
Broad ligament, strongly attached to vertebrae and discs
Shape and attachment of the posterior longitudinal ligament:
Narrow and weaker ligament, attached only to vertebral discs
What are intervertebral discs?
Cushioning in between vertebrae
What are the 2 parts of an intervertebral disc?
Nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus
What is the nucleus pulposus?
The center of the intervertebral disc. Elastic and compressible
What is the annulus fibrosus?
The outside “ring” of the intervertebral disc. Holds together successive vertebrae and resists tension in the spine
Where are intervertebral discs the thickest? Why?
Thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. They are more flexible areas, so require more cushioning and support
What is a herniated disc?
Compression of part of the intervertebral disc, causing the nucleus pulposus to bulge out.
What are the 2 parts of a typical vertebrae?
Weight bearing body, vertebral arch
What are the parts of the vertebral arch?
2 pedicles + 2 laminae
Arch + body enclose a vertebral foramen. What passes through it?
The spinal cord
Pedicles have notches on their superior and inferior surfaces. These form:
Intervertebral foramina
What passes through intervertebral foramina?
Nerves
What are the 7 processes from each vertebral arch?
1 spinous process, 2 transverse processes, paired superior and inferior articular processes
What is the function of the spinous process?
Site of muscle attachment
What is the function of the transverse processes?
Site of muscle attachment