Joints of Vertebral Column

Question 0

What is the anulus fibrosus?

Answer 0

a ring consisting of concentric lamellae of fibrocartilage forming the circumference of the IV disc.

Question 1

What kind of joints are vertebral bodies?

Answer 1

symphyses- designed for weight bearing and strength

Question 2

What is the nucleus pulposus?

Answer 2

the central core of the IV disc.

Question 3

Anterior Longitudinal ligament

Answer 3

strong, broad fibrous band that covers and connects the anterolateral aspects of the vertebral bodies and IV discs.

Extends from the pelvic surface of the sacrum to the anterior tubercle of the C1 vertebra(atlas) and the occipital bone anterior to the foramen magnum.

Question 4

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 4

narrow, somewhat weaker band compared to the anterior longitudinal ligament. Runs along the vertebral canal along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. Helps prevent hyperflexion of the vertebral column and posterior herniation of of IV discs.

Question 5

Zygapophysial Joints

Answer 5

Facet Joints

synovial joints-plane joints between superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Question 6

Articular capsule

Answer 6

surrounds each zygapophysial joint.

Question 7

Purpose of zygapophysial joints

Answer 7

permit gliding movements between the articular processes.

The shape and disposition of articular surfaces determine the type of movement possible.

Question 8

Ligamenta flava

Answer 8

Joins the laminae of adjacent vertebral araches

yellow elastic fibrous tissue.

Resists separation of the vertebral laminae by arresting abrupt flexion of vertebral column.

Question 9

Supraspinous Ligament

Answer 9

Merges superiorly with the nuchal ligament

Question 10

Nuchal Ligament

Answer 10

Strong median ligament of neck. Composed of thickened fibroelastic tissue extending from the external occipital protuberance and posterior border of the foramen magnum to the spinous process of the cervical vertebrae. Exemption C3-C5