Joints of Vertebral Column

Question 1

Intervertebral discs

Answer 1

consists of anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus
interposed between bodies of adjacent vertebrae (except between C1-C2)
shock absorption

Question 2

Nucleus pulposus

Answer 2

gelatinous central mass of intervertebral disc

80% water in childhood but dehydrates and thickens with age

Question 3

Anulus fibrosus

Answer 3

fibrocartilage outer ring surrounding nucleus pulposus
acts as vacuum seal
has nerve and blood supply (can cause pain but capable of healing)

Question 4

Uncovertebral joints

Answer 4

“Luschka joints”
located between uncinate processes of C3-C6
posterolateral

Question 5

Anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 5

covers and connects the anterolateral aspects of vertebral bodies and IV discs
extends from pelvic surface of sacrum to anterior tubercle of atlas
maintains stability of IV joints and limits extension

Question 6

Posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 6

runs within the vertebral canal along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies
attached mainly to IV discs and less so to posterior edges of vertebral bodies from axis to sacrum
prevents hyperflexion and posterior herniation of discs

Question 7

Interspinous ligaments

Answer 7

weak, membranous ligaments between lengths of adjacent spinous processes

Question 8

Supraspinous ligaments

Answer 8

strong fibrous ligaments between tips of adjacent spinous processes
merges superiorly with nuchal ligament

Question 9

Nuchal ligament

Answer 9

the strong median ligament of the neck

extents from external occipital protuberance to the spinous processes of the C spine