Movement: Vertebral Column and Spinal Cord Flashcards
What structure attaches the transverse processes to the body of a vertebra?
Pedicle
Which structure attaches the transverse processes to the spinous processes of the vertebra?
Lamina
What unique feature do the cervical vertebrae have and what is their function?
Transverse foramen
Provides a pathway through which the vertebral arteries travel through
Which cervical vertebra has a small or absent transverse foramen?
C7 - vertebral arteries only run through transverse processes of C1-C6
What is the vertebra prominens?
Long spinous process of C7
Used as a bony landmark for vertebra counting
What does C1 (atlas) lack?
Vertebral body
What is the name of the ligament on the atlas that holds the dens in place?
Transverse ligament of the atlas
Name the superior projection from C2 that allows the atlas and head to rotate on an axis.
Dens
Which ligaments connect the dens to the skull?
Alar ligaments
What is the name of C2?
Axis
Which vertebrae are the smallest?
Cervical
Name the additional articular facets that thoracic vertebrae have and their function
Inferior and superior costal facets
Articulate with own rib above and the one below
Where do the rib tubercles articulate?
Transverse costal facet of their own rib
What are the rough shapes of the vertebral foramina?
Cervical - heart
Thoracic - circular
Lumbar - triangular
How does the size of the lumbar vertebral bodies and foramina compare to other vertebrae?
Larger to support more weight and allow for the passage of a larger spinal cord section
What replaces the superior articular process in lumbar vertebrae?
Mamillary process
To which vertebrae do the iliolumbar ligaments attach?
L5
What is another name for facet joints between vertebrae?
Zygapophyseal joints
What is the name of the most internal section of the intervertebral discs?
Nucleus pulposis
What is the function of the nucleus pulposis?
Absorbs shock and reduces compression in the spine
What is the function of the annulus fibrosis?
Limits rotation of the spine
What is the name of the external section of the intervertebral discs?
Annulus fibrosis
What are the two rings of the annulus fibrosis made of?
Outer ring: fibrocartilage
Inner ring: collagen
Where does the anterior longitudinal ligament originate, attach and insert?
Base of the skull
Vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs
Anterior surface of the sacrum
Which ligament starts at the base of the skull, attaches to all the vertebrae and inserts onto the posterior sacrum?
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Which pair of ligaments supports the spine and limits extension and flexion respectively?
Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments