lecture 6 - back & vertebral column Flashcards
What are the 3 key functions of the vertebral column?
Support, movement, protection
What are the 5 regional divisions of the vertebral column?
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal
How many total vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
33
How many mobile vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
24
How many fused vertebrae are there in the vertebral column?
9
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
How many fused sacral vertebrae are there?
5
How many fused coccygeal vertebrae are there?
3-4
What are the 2 curvatures of the spine?
primary/kyphosis, secondary/lordosis
What is kyphosis?
The primary curvature of the spine - concave forwards
What is lordosis?
secondary curvature - vertebral column convex forward
Which regions of the vertebral column have kyphosis/primary curvature?
thoracic, sacral
What regions of the vertebral column have lordosis/secondary curvature?
cervical, lumbar
What is hyperkyphosis?
A ‘hunchback’ caused by an increase in the primary curve (particularly of the thoracic vertebrae)
What is hyper-lordosis?
Increase in the seocndary curve (particularly of the lumbar vertebrae)
What is the clinical term for lateral deviation of the vertebral column?
Scoliosis
What movement is extension of the vertebral column?
Leaning head backwards
What movement is flexion of the vertebral column?
Leaning the body forwards
What part of a vertebra is most anterior?
Vertebral body
What part of a vertebra is most posterior?
Spinous process
What parts of a vertebra extend most laterally?
Transverse processes
what are the 2 main components of a vertebra?
Vertebral body, vertebral arch
What connects the vertebral body and vertebral arch?
pedicle
What connects the transverse & apinous processes?
Lamina
What are all the processes of a vertebra?
2 transverse processes, 1 spinous process, 2 superior articular processes, 2 inferior articular processes
What are the 2 atypical cervical verebrae?
C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis)
What is the name for C1 vertebrae?
Atlas
What is the name for the C2 vertebra?
Axis
What does the Atlas articulate with?
Axis inferiorly, cranium superiorly
What is the joint between C1 and C2?
Atlantoaxial joint
Which feature of the axis provides a pivot for rotation?
Dens
What are the features of the body of cervical vertebrae?
Small, delicate, saddle-shaped