Deep Back Flashcards
Vertebral Level
Level associated with numbered vertebrae
Spinal level
Level at spinal segements and roots are present
Primary curvature of vertebral column
present in fetus, concave anterirorly. Remnant in adult at thoracic and sacral level
Secondary curvatures of VC
Arise during development, function: load bearing. Concave posteriorly (thoracic and lumbar
Kyphosis
excessive curvature of lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae
Lordosis
excessive curvature of lumbar vertebrae
Unique characteristics of typical cervical vertebrae
-thin bodies
-bifid spinous process
-large vertebral foramen(allows for cervical enlargement of spinal cord)
-articular facets nearly horizontal (allows for wide range of motion)
-transverse foramen
Atypical vertebrae of cervical region
atlas (c1) and axis (C2), C7 spinous process
Atlas (C1)
Anterior arch and posterior arch form atypical vertebral foramen, no real body
Lateral masses support superior articular facets that fit occipital condyles and are shaped to allow rocking motion of nodding yes
Articular facet for dens of C2
Axis (C2)
Dens
Superior articular facets articulate with atlas
Posterior articular facet of dens articulates with C1 and interacts with the transverse ligament
Hangman’s Fracture
bilateral fracture of pars interarticularis on C2 with assoc. traumatic subluxation of C2 on C3; can be caused by MVA, diving injuries
Vertebral Arteries
arise in neck, passing superiorly through transverse foramen (except C7) to supply spinal cord, medulla, and cerebellum. They join to form the basilar artery in the cranium
What is clinical significance of injury to the transverse foramen of a cervical vertebrae?
Injury to vertebral artery, potential for altered/impaired brain circulation
Intervertebral foramen
conduits for spinal nerves
transverse foramne
conduits for vertebral arteries
Thoracic vertebrae characteristics
-thick body
-long spinous process (downward T1 to T10)
-costal facets for rib attachments
-superior and inferior articular facets oriented more vertically (more stable)
-T9 is same plane as xiphoid process
Lumbar vertebrae characteristics
Short, thickest body for weight bearing
Mamillary processes for multifidus muscles
Sacrum
5 fused vertebrae, articulates with L5 superiorly, coccyx inf, iliacs lat
transmits body weight to lower limbs
Sacral canal - cont. of vert. cancal, containing cauda equina
sacral hiatus (missing 5th spinous process)
Coccyx
4 fused vertebrae functional for muscle attachemnts
Zygapophysial joint
aka facet joint. Tiny synovial joints allowing for movement between articulating vertebrae. Made of joint capsule and ligaments