Intervertebral Foramen: General Characteristics and Contents Flashcards
What determines the length of the intervertebral foramen?
the width of the pedicle
What is the average height of the intervertebral foramen?
about 13mm
What percent of the total vertebral column does “true” intervertebral foramina height from C2-S1 equal?
40%
What percent of total vertebral column length does all intervertebral foramina height from occiput -Co1 equal?
53%
What are the generic contents of the intervertebral foamen?
neural tissue, connective tissue, vascular tissue, lymphatic tissue
What are medullary feeder arteries?
enlarged radicular arteries join the arterial vasa corona to provide blood for the spinal cord
What is the name of the largest medullary feeder artery?
the artery of Adamkiewicz or the arteria radicalis magna anterior
What are the characteristics of the Artery of Adamkiewicz?
it is left side, anterior medullary feeder artery, located in the T9/T10 intervertebral foramen, and the primary vascular supply to the lumbar enlargement
What veins drain the nerve roots toward the intervertebral foramen?
the anterior and posterior radicular veins
What venous plexus lies next to the posterior longitudinal ligament?
the anterior internal vertebral venous plexus
What will the intervertebral veins drain into?
the external vertebral venous plexus or Batson’s plexus
What is a unique histological feature of the veins of the vertebral column?
the appear to lack valves
What size lymphatic vessels lie in the intervertebral foramen?
medium sized lymphatics
What type(s) of connective tissue will be present in the intervertebral foreman?
adipose tissue and loose areolar connective tissue
