Lecture - The Vertebral Column Flashcards
What are the functions of the vertebral column?
Movement and posture
Protection
Support
Forms central axis
What makes up every vertebra?
How are they orientated?
Vertebral body - anterior
Vertebral arch - posterior
Together they form the vertebral foramen
What are the 3 significant features/characteristics of the vertebral body?
Weight-bearing component
Gets larger as you move down the column, as must bear more weight
Superior and inferior surfaces covered in hyaline cartilage
What separates all vertebral bodies?
IV discs
What is significant about the IV discs in the T and L regions?
Wedge-shaped
What is the function of the IV discs?
Shock absorption
What is a “slipped disc”, and how does it occur?
A herniated intervertebral disc
Occurs when the annulus fibrosus ruptures, allowing the central nucleus polposus to protrude out, putting pressure on the spinal cord.
What is formed by the numerous vertebral foramina lining up?
The vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord
What is the function of the spinous process?
Attachment for muscles and ligaments
What is the lamina, with regards to the vertebral arch?
The bone between the transverse and spinous processes
What is the purpose of the superior articular processes?
Articulate with the inferior spinous processes of the vertebra above
What is the name given to the section of bone between the vertebral body and the transverse processes?
The pedicles
What is the purpose of the transverse processes?
Articulate with the ribs (thoracic region only)
What is the name given to C1?
The Atlas
Describe the characteristic features of the atlas.
No vertebral body and no spinous process
Which vertebra is referred to as the axis?
C2
What is the characteristic feature of the axis?
The dens (or odontoid process) - sticks up superiorly, acting as the body of the atlas.
What are the 3 characteristic features of the cervical vertebrae?
Bifid spinous processes (except C7)
Foramen transversarium - foramina in each transverse process, providing channels for the vertebral arteries
Triangular vertebral foramina
What is the main function of the thoracic vertebrae?
Articulation with the ribs
Discuss the facets found on thoracic vertebrae
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
Give 2 distinctive features of the T vertebrae, other than facets
- Small, circular vertebral foramen
2. Spinous process points inferiorly and anteriorly
What is the only distinctive feature of the lumbar vertebrae?
Large vertebral body for weight-bearing
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
4 - 6, but usually 5
What is significant about the sacral vertebrae?
Facets on the lateral wall for articulation with the pelvis –> form the sacro-iliac joints
How many vertebrae make up the coccyx?
3 - 5, but usually 4
Does the coccyx enclose the spinal cord? Explain
No - no vertebral arches, so no vertebral canal
How many articulations per vertebra?
5
What are the 2 types of articulation in the vertebral column?
Joints at facets
Articulations between vertebrae (indirect - via IV discs)
What is the function of joints at facets?
Allows gliding movement between vertebrae
What is the function of a ligamentum flava?
Connects the lamina of two vertebrae
Which ligaments join the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae?
The infraspinous and supraspinous ligaments
What do the intertransverse ligaments do?
Join transverse processes between adjacent vertebrae
Which ligaments strengthen the vertebral body joints?
The anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
Why can you bend forward further than you can bend back?
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).
List the movements of the vertebral column
Flexion
Extension
Abduction
Rotation
Discuss the curvature of the vertebral column in the foetus
One way only - approximate figure of C
Referred to as “primary curvature”
Discuss the curvature of the vertebral column in an adult
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.
What is kyphosis?
Exaggerated primary curvature, which usually occurs with age.
Gives a hunchback appearance
What is lordosis?
Exaggerated secondary curvature
What is the name given to lateral curvature of the vertebral column?
Scoliosis
What is cervical spondylitis?
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
How many vertebrae are there?
How many in each region?
33 - 7 cervical 12 thoracic 5 lumbar 5 sacral 4 coccygeal
