Neuroanatomy 5 Flashcards
What are some functions of the vertebral column?
Protecting the spinal cord
Supporting the head and torso
Providing attachments for muscles and ribs
Site of haematopoesis
How many vertebrae are there in each segment of the VERTEBRAL COLUMN?
cervical 7
thoracic 12
lumbar 5
sacral 5
coccygeal 4 fuse to form the coccyx
What is a kyphosis?
What is a lordosis?
kyphosis - outwards curvature of the spine
lordosis - inwards curvature
Where are the curvatures of the spine?
Cervical lordosis in the neck
thoracic kyphosis in the upper back
Lumbar lordosis in the lower back
What are the common features of the vertebrae? Draw a picture
Body -
Pedicle -
Lamina -
Spinal canal -
Transverse processes -
What is the body of the vertebrae?
Supports the weight of the vertebrae above it
Located most anteriorly
Neighbouring ones are separated by intervertebral discs
What is the pedicle of the vertebrae?
Connects the body to the rest of the vertebra
Stems posteriorly from vertebral body
Forms the lateral wall of the spinal canal
What is the lamina of the vertebrae?
The part that forms the posterior wall of the spinal canal
The spinous process stems from the lamina
What is the spinal canal of the vertebrae?
Hole bordered by the body, pedicle, lamina
Spinal cord travels within it
What is the transverse process of the vertebrae?
Lateral protrusions of the vertebrae at the junction between pedicle and lamina
Provide an attachment for muscles
What is the articular process of the vertebrae?
Vertical protrusions of the vertebrae - 2 each
Provide a site of attachment to the vertebrae above and below
(facet joints - synovial articulations)
What is the intervertebral foramina of vertebrae?
Holes at the side of each vertebra
Formed by the spaces between the bodies and pedicles of neighbouring vertebrae
The spinal nerves leave the cord through these
Which 2 vertebrae have unique features? What are their names?
C1 - atlas - articulate directly with occipital bone - joint allows nodding of head
- space where the vertebral body should be, within the vertebra
- no spinous process
C2 - axis -
- body protrudes vertically upwards - odontoid process - takes place of body in the atlas so it can spin around axis
- joint allows turning of head (atlanto-axial joint)
Which joint allows us to turn our head?
What type of joint is it?
Atlanto-axial joint
Pivotal joint
Atalas vertebra(C1) spins around the axis vertebra (C2)
Which cervical vertebrae are different to the others?
C1 - atlas
C2 - axial
C7 - lacks transverse foramina and has a more prominent spinous process
What are the features of the (12) thoracic vertebrae?
Become increasingly larger from superior to inferior, most inferior support more weight
Unique - additional articular surfaces for ribs
Spinous processes are long, sharp and point downwards (protect spinal canal more effectively)
What are the identifiable features of cervical vertebrae?
Smaller body than other types (they support less weight)
Transverse foramina - hole in transverse processes that vertebral arteries travel through
Bifid spinous process - ‘two pronged’
How is C7 different to other cervical vertebrae?
Why is it sometimes called the ‘vertebra prominens’?
No transverse foramina
the spinous process is much more prominent, usually the most superior process you can palpate through the skin
This is why it is called ‘vertebra prominens’
spinous process might not be bifid
What are the distinctive features of the (5) lumbar vertebrae?
Largest individual vertebrae
VERY large vertebral bodies
Transverse processes project laterally, provide attachment for additional muscles
Spinous processes are large and relatively short and rectangular (comp to thoracic)
What are the features of the sacrum?
5 sacral vertebrae fused to form the sacrum
Large triangular shaped bone
Located in the central posterior part of the pelvis
Articulates with the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints
Sacral promontory - anterior prominence at the top of the sacrum
What is the coccyx?
4 bones fused together
Attaches at the inferior aspect of the sacrum
compare the table with the paragraphs and write better flashcards :)
What is the purpose of intervertebral discs?
Strong, fibrocartilaginous structures
Withstand compression forces while also allowing flexibility and movement between vertebra
What is the structure of the intervertebral discs?
Nucleus pulposus - central gelatinous core
Annulus fibrosus - concentric rings of collagen surrounding the nucleus pulposus
Separated from neighbouring vertebral bodies by thin layer of hyaline cartilage on the surface of the vertebral bodies
What are the type of joints in the vertebral column?
Pivot joint - atlanto-axial joint
Secondary cartilaginous joint - between vertebrae, involving intervertebral discs
What joints are the intervertebral discs involved in?
bone - hyaline cartilage - fibrocartilage - hyaline cartilage - bone
A secondary cartilaginous joint
What do ligaments do in the spinal column?
What are the 5?
Help maintain upright posture and prevent hyperflexion/hypertension injuries
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Ligamentum flavum
Interspinous ligament
Supraspinous ligament
What and where is the anterior longitudinal ligament?
Ligament
In the vertebral column
Along the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies
What and where is the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Ligament
In the vertebral column
Along the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies, but anterior to the spinal canal
What and where is the ligamentum flavum?
Ligament
In the vertebral column
Along the inside of the laminae (posterior to the spinal canal)
‘Flavum’ - yellow due to amount of elastin protein within it