MSK - Vertebral Column Flashcards
How does the VC lie in foetus?
It lies flexed in single anterior facing curvature
This is known as the primary curvature
What is the VC needed for?
Provides a centre of gravity for the body
Attachment for bones
Attachment for trunk muscles
Protection and passage of the spinal cord
Allows for segmented innervation of the body
How does the VC change during growth?
It becomes Sinusoidal
There are now two anterior flexions (thoracic and sacral)
And two posterior caused by raising head (cervical) and walking (lumbar) this remodelling supports function
What happens to the VC in old age?
This goes back to foetal shape of primary curvature.
The secondary curves start to disappear
How many separate vertebrae are there in the VC?
24
How many fixed vertebrae are there?
9 fixed
Sacrum (5)
Coccyx (4)
What are the two parts of a vertebrae called?
Vertebral body and arch
Describe the features of a cervical vertebrae
These are the smallest type
They have oval transverse foramen
Bifid spinous process
Describe the features of a thoracic vertebrae
Intermediate size with facets on the side of the body
What are the features of the atlas vertebrae
This is the first cervical vertebrae
Lacks a body and lacks spinous process
What are the features of the axis?
This is C2 and the strongest vertebrae
Has a dens and a large spinous process
What are the features of the lumbar vertebrae?
These are the largest vertebrae
They have a small vertebral foramen
What are the intervertebral discs?
These are symphyses between adjacent vertebra
They act as shock absorbers
What is the nucleus pulposus?
Central jelly like section acts as a water reservoir
What is the annulus fibrosus?
This is the outer layer of the ID made of a series of annular bands.
Outer band = collagen
Inner bands = fibrocartilage
Very resilient
