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Semester 2 - MSK > Lecture - The Vertebral Column > Flashcards

Lecture - The Vertebral Column Flashcards

1
Q

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

A

Movement and posture
Protection
Support
Forms central axis

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2
Q

What makes up every vertebra?

How are they orientated?

A

Vertebral body - anterior
Vertebral arch - posterior
Together they form the vertebral foramen

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3
Q

What are the 3 significant features/characteristics of the vertebral body?

A

Weight-bearing component
Gets larger as you move down the column, as must bear more weight
Superior and inferior surfaces covered in hyaline cartilage

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4
Q

What separates all vertebral bodies?

A

IV discs

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5
Q

What is significant about the IV discs in the T and L regions?

A

Wedge-shaped

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6
Q

What is the function of the IV discs?

A

Shock absorption

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7
Q

What is a “slipped disc”, and how does it occur?

A

A herniated intervertebral disc
Occurs when the annulus fibrosus ruptures, allowing the central nucleus polposus to protrude out, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

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8
Q

What is formed by the numerous vertebral foramina lining up?

A

The vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord

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9
Q

What is the function of the spinous process?

A

Attachment for muscles and ligaments

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10
Q

What is the lamina, with regards to the vertebral arch?

A

The bone between the transverse and spinous processes

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11
Q

What is the purpose of the superior articular processes?

A

Articulate with the inferior spinous processes of the vertebra above

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12
Q

What is the name given to the section of bone between the vertebral body and the transverse processes?

A

The pedicles

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13
Q

What is the purpose of the transverse processes?

A

Articulate with the ribs (thoracic region only)

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14
Q

What is the name given to C1?

A

The Atlas

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15
Q

Describe the characteristic features of the atlas.

A

No vertebral body and no spinous process

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16
Q

Which vertebra is referred to as the axis?

A

C2

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17
Q

What is the characteristic feature of the axis?

A

The dens (or odontoid process) - sticks up superiorly, acting as the body of the atlas.

18
Q

What are the 3 characteristic features of the cervical vertebrae?

A

Bifid spinous processes (except C7)
Foramen transversarium - foramina in each transverse process, providing channels for the vertebral arteries
Triangular vertebral foramina

19
Q

What is the main function of the thoracic vertebrae?

A

Articulation with the ribs

20
Q

Discuss the facets found on thoracic vertebrae

A

Demi-facets - 2 on each side of vertebral body –> articulate with the head of the rib above and below
Costal facets - 1 on each transverse process –> articulate with the tubercle of the rib

21
Q

Give 2 distinctive features of the T vertebrae, other than facets

A
  1. Small, circular vertebral foramen

2. Spinous process points inferiorly and anteriorly

22
Q

What is the only distinctive feature of the lumbar vertebrae?

A

Large vertebral body for weight-bearing

23
Q

How many sacral vertebrae are there?

A

4 - 6, but usually 5

24
Q

What is significant about the sacral vertebrae?

A

Facets on the lateral wall for articulation with the pelvis –> form the sacro-iliac joints

25
Q

How many vertebrae make up the coccyx?

A

3 - 5, but usually 4

26
Q

Does the coccyx enclose the spinal cord? Explain

A

No - no vertebral arches, so no vertebral canal

27
Q

How many articulations per vertebra?

A

5

28
Q

What are the 2 types of articulation in the vertebral column?

A

Joints at facets

Articulations between vertebrae (indirect - via IV discs)

29
Q

What is the function of joints at facets?

A

Allows gliding movement between vertebrae

30
Q

What is the function of a ligamentum flava?

A

Connects the lamina of two vertebrae

31
Q

Which ligaments join the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae?

A

The infraspinous and supraspinous ligaments

32
Q

What do the intertransverse ligaments do?

A

Join transverse processes between adjacent vertebrae

33
Q

Which ligaments strengthen the vertebral body joints?

A

The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments

34
Q

Why can you bend forward further than you can bend back?

A

The anterior longitudinal ligament prevents hyperextension, and is thicker and stronger than the posterior longitudinal ligament, which prevents hyperflexion. Hence, you can bend forward (flex) further than you can bend back (extend).

35
Q

List the movements of the vertebral column

A

Flexion
Extension
Abduction
Rotation

36
Q

Discuss the curvature of the vertebral column in the foetus

A

One way only - approximate figure of C

Referred to as “primary curvature”

37
Q

Discuss the curvature of the vertebral column in an adult

A

Approximate figure of S -
primary curvature is retained in the thoracic and sacral/coccygeal regions
curvature the opposite way (secondary curvature) in the cervical and lumbar regions.

38
Q

What is kyphosis?

A

Exaggerated primary curvature, which usually occurs with age.
Gives a hunchback appearance

39
Q

What is lordosis?

A

Exaggerated secondary curvature

40
Q

What is the name given to lateral curvature of the vertebral column?

A

Scoliosis

41
Q

What is cervical spondylitis?

A

Decrease in the size of the intervertebral foramina, usually due to degeneration of the spinal joints.
Puts pressure on the nerves exiting through them - PAIN

42
Q

How many vertebrae are there?

How many in each region?

A 
33 - 
7 cervical
12 thoracic
5 lumbar
5 sacral
4 coccygeal

Semester 2 - MSK (35 decks)

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