October 29, 2015 - Spine Flashcards
Components of a Vertebra
- Superior articular process
- Inferior articular process
- Vertebral body
- Vertebral branch (pedicle + lamina)
- Spinous process
- Transverse process
Superior Articular Process
The component of the vertebrae that sticks upwards and connects with the inferior articular process to form a facet joint.
Inferior Articular Process
The component of the vertebrae that sticks downwards and connects with the inferior articular process to form a facet joint.
Transverse Process
Essentially “fins” of the vertebrae that act as sites for muscle attachment.
Spinous Process
The part of the vertebrae that extends posteriorly.
Vertebral Arch
Consists of the pedicle and the lamina.
The pedicle is the part of the arch that is touching the vertebral body. The lamina is the part that extends between the articular processes.
Facet Joint
The joint formed between the joining of the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of another vertebra.
Transverse Foramen
A hole (foramen) in the cervical vertebra that allows the vertebral arteries to pass through them.
“Atypical” Cervical Vertebrae
C1 and C2
C1 is known as the atlas and C2 is known as the axis
They interact with each other to allow rotation.
Vertebra Prominense
A very prominant spinous process located on C7.
Superior Costal Facet
Part of thoracic vertebrae where the head of the rib attaches to form the costal vertebral joint.
Costovertebral Joints
The joint between the head of the rib and the superior costal facet.
Costotransverse Joint
The joint between the costal tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the vertebra.
Dens / Odontoid
Part of the axis, or C2.
Sticks up into C1
Atlas (C1)
Essentially just a ring. There is no spinous process, just a remnant known as the posterior tubercle.
It also has a facet for the dens on the anterior side.