Neck & Vertebral Column

Question 1

5 Sections of Vertebral Coloumn

Answer 1

7 Cervical
12 Thoracic
5 Lumbar
5 Sacrum
4 Coccyx

Question 2

What are the Spaces between Vertebrae Called? What is their Pupose?

Answer 2

Intervertebral Foramina:
serve as passageways for spinal nerves and blood vessels

Question 3

Whata are the Intervertebral Discs?
What parts make them up?

Answer 3

Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous structures located between adjacent vertebrae in the spine. They act as shock absorbers.

Intervertebral discs consist of two main layers: the outer Annulus Fibrosus, composed of fibrous tissue, and the inner Nucleus Pulposus, a gel-like substance.

Question 4

Which sections of the spine curve the same throughout child and adulthood?

Answer 4

The Thoracic and Saccral Regions Curve the same way.
(and coccygeanal i guess)

The Lumbar and Cervical dont

Question 5

List differences across the regions:

Answer 5

other cards

Question 6

Joints Connecting C1 and C2

2

Answer 6

Median Atlanto-Axial Joint:
Dens of Axis Articulates - Ant. Arch of Atlas

Lateral Atlanto-Axial Joint:
Lateral Mass of Atlas - Sup. Art. Facet of Axis

Question 7

What are the Uncovertebral Joints?

location, function,

Answer 7

found in the cervical spine (neck region) between the third cervical vertebra (C3) and the seventh cervical vertebra (C7)

limiting lateral flexion of the cervical spine and providing stability to the neck

Question 8

What is the reason we sometimes feel taller in the morning?

Answer 8

Nucleus Pulposus
During the day, the spine is subject to gravitational forces and the weight of the upper body, leading to compression of the intervertebral discs. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and consist of a gel-like nucleus pulposus surrounded by a fibrous annulus fibrosus. Throughout the day, as a result of activities and the upright posture, the discs lose some of their water content due to compression.

When you sleep at night, the spine is in a horizontal position, and the discs have an opportunity to rehydrate and regain some of the fluid lost during the day. This rehydration process causes the discs to swell and expand, leading to a slight increase in the height of the intervertebral discs. As a result, the spine becomes slightly longer, and individuals may experience a temporary increase in height when they wake up in the morning.

Question 9

Ligamentum Flavum

Answer 9

between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae in the spine. It extends from the axis (C2) down to the sacrum.

Function:
- It helps maintain the stability of the vertebral column.
- It contributes to the flexibility of the spine, allowing for controlled movements.
- During flexion of the spine, the ligamentum flavum stretches, and during extension, it recoils, helping the spine return to an upright position.

Question 10

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Answer 10

Location: The posterior longitudinal ligament is situated along the posterior (back) aspect of the vertebral bodies within the vertebral column.

Function: The primary function of the posterior longitudinal ligament is to help stabilize the vertebral column and provide support to the intervertebral discs. It helps prevent excessive hyperextension (backward bending) of the spine.

Question 11

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

Answer 11

Location: The anterior longitudinal ligament is situated along the anterior (front) aspect of the vertebral bodies within the vertebral column.

Function: The primary function of the anterior longitudinal ligament is to provide stability to the vertebral column. It helps prevent excessive hyperextension (backward bending) of the spine and supports the anterior part of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.

Question 12

Superior Costotransverse Ligament

Answer 12

Location: The Superior Costotransverse Ligament is found in the thoracic region of the spine, specifically between the costal (rib) and transverse processes of the vertebrae.

Function: The ligament helps to stabilize the joint between the rib and the transverse process of the vertebra. It contributes to the structural integrity of the thoracic spine and provides support to the rib cage.

Question 13

Radiate Ligament

Answer 13

The radiate ligament of the intervertebral disc refers to the fibers that extend from the periphery of the intervertebral disc’s annulus fibrosus (outer layer) and attach to the vertebral bodies. These fibers give a radial appearance and help anchor the disc to the vertebral bodies.

Question 14

Intertransverse Ligament

Answer 14

Location:
connects the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae in the spine

Function:
helps limit excessive lateral flexion and rotation of the spine, supporting the stability of the vertebral segments
maintaining proper alignment and spacing between the vertebrae.

Question 15

Lateral costotransverse ligament

Answer 15

The lateral costotransverse ligament is located between the transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae and the ribs.

Its function is to contribute to the stability of the thoracic spine, aiding in the support and limitation of excessive movement.

Question 16

Supraspinous Ligament

Answer 16

It extends from the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) to the sacrum.

The supraspinous ligament plays a crucial role in connecting and stabilizing the spinous processes of the vertebrae, providing support to the spine and limiting excessive flexion (forward bending) of the vertebral column.

Question 17

Interspinous Ligament

Answer 17

The interspinous ligament is a ligament located between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in the spine. Specifically, it spans the gap between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae from the sacrum to the axis (C2)

The primary function of the interspinous ligament is to limit excessive flexion (forward bending) of the spine.