Lecture 15

Question 1

How many vertebrae make up the sacrum and the coccyx

Answer 1

5 fused vertebrae for sacrum and 2 to 4 fused coccygeal vertebrae

Question 2

What are the curvatures of the spine

Answer 2

There 2 primary curves and 2 secondary. Primary is also referred to as kyphosis(p for primary) and secondary is referred too and lordosis.

primary curves curve posteriorly allowing a hunch shape, these are located in the thoracic and sacral/coccygeal area

secondary curve anteriorly and are located in the cervical and lumbar regions, more weight bearing

they function to provide flexibility and shock absorption

Question 3

What is the typical height of a vertebral disc for each type of non-fused vertebrae

Answer 3

C- 5mm
T- 7mm
L- 10mm

size increases as vertebrae size increases and more load bearing is required

Question 4

What are the 2 main parts of a vertebrae

Answer 4

The vertebral body, either kidney or heart shaped with a core of cancellous bone and outer ring of compact/cortical bone

a vertebral arch made up of pedicles x2 and laminas x2

these 2 parts make up the vertebral canal

Question 5

What are the extensions of the vertebral arch

Answer 5

A posterior spinous process, which is palpable through the skin

2 transverse processes they face laterally

These are here for attachment points for muscles and ligaments