Chapter 7: The Vertebral Column Flashcards
What does the vertebral column protect?
The spinal cord
What are the four curvatures of the vertebral column?
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Sacral
How many vertebrates are in the cervical curve?
7
How many vertebrates are in the thoracic curve?
12
How many vertebrates are in the lumbar curve?
5
What are the parts of a typical vertebrae?
- Body
- Pedicles
- Laminae
- Spinous process
- Transverse processes
- Vertebral foramen
- Facets
- Superior and inferior articular processes
Which vertebrae are the pedicles found in?
Thoracic & Lumbar
What are the laminae?
They connect the spinous process to the rest of the vertebrae.
What is the spinous process?
Tip of the vertebrae.
What is the vertebral foramen?
The space between the body and the spinous process.
Where are the superior articular processes?
At the end of the laminae.
Where are the cervical vertebrae found?
In the neck region.
What is the first cervical vertebra called? and what does it do?
Atlas (C1); supports the head.
What is the second cervical vertebra called? and what does it do?
Axis (C2); allows for the head to turn.
Where are the thoracic vertebrae found?
In the chest region.
What do the thoracic vertebrae connect to?
The ribs.
Where are the lumbar vertebrae found?
In the small of the back.
What is the difference between the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?
- The spinous process is long and pointed in the thoracic vertebrae.
- And short and thick in the lumbar vertebrae.
What does the sacrum consist of?
- 5 fused vertebrae
- Sacral Canal
- Sacral Hiatus
- Posterior Sacral Foramen
- Median Sacral Crest
What is at the end of the sacrum?
The coccyx
What is the coccyx also known as?
The tailbone
What does the coccyx consist of?
4 fused vertebrae
At what age doe to vertebrae in the coccyx fuse?
25 to 30
What is kyphosis?
Exaggerated thoracic curvature (Hunchback).
What is scoliosis?
Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
What is lordosis?
Exaggerated lumbar curvature (commonly found in women).
