Lecture 4 - Vertebral column

Question 1

Thoracic and sacral curvatures

Answer 1

Primary kyphotic (anteriorly concave)

Occurs during fetal period

Question 2

Cervical and lumbar curvatures

Answer 2

Lordotic (posteriorly concave)

Occur during childhood when baby lifts heads and sits up

Question 3

How many vertebrae are there?

Answer 3

7 cervical 
12 thoracic
5 lumbar 
5 sacral
4 coccygeal 

= 33

Question 4

Which vertebrae are relatively mobile?

Answer 4

Cervical and Lumbar

Question 5

Why are vertebrae bigger as you move down the spin?

Answer 5

Greater compressive forces

Question 6

Functions of the vertebral column

Answer 6

1. Supports the weight of the skull, pelvis, thoracic cage and upper limbs
2. Protects the spinal cord and cauda equina
3. Posture and locomotion
4. Bone marrow is a site of haematopoiesis

Question 7

Components of vertebral arch

Answer 7

2 lamina

2 pedicles

Question 8

Lamina

Answer 8

Connects the transverse processes to the spinous process

Question 9

Pedicles

Answer 9

Connects the transverse processes to the vertebral body

Question 10

Facet joint - zygapophyseal joint

Answer 10

Formed when the superior and inferior articulating facets articulate.

Prevents anterior and posterior slippage

Synovial joint lined with hyaline cartilage

Question 11

Components of intervertebral discs

Answer 11

70% water
20% collagen
10% proteoglycans

Makes up 1/4 of the vertebral column

Question 12

Regions of the intervertebral discs

Answer 12

Nucleus pulposus - central

Annulus fibrosus - peripheral

Question 13

Annulus fibrosus

Answer 13

Lamella of annular bands of collagen in varying orientations

Outer lamellae - Type 1 collagen
Inner lamellae - fibrocartilagionous

Major shock absorber - highly resilient to axial compression (stronger than vertebral body)

Avascular
Aneural

Question 14

Nucleus Pulposus

Answer 14

Remnant of notochord

Gelatinous type 2 collagen

High oncotic pressure

Decreases in height during the day due to mechanical load and with age

Question 15

Location of the annulus pulposus in infants compared to adults

Answer 15

Infants- central

Adults - more posterior

Question 16

4 factors that contribute to vertebral column stability and motility

Answer 16

1. Spinous ligaments
2. Angle of the facet joints
3. Width of intervertebral discs
4. Whether the vertebrae are fused