Osteology of the vertebrae Flashcards
How many vertebrae are there? How many are separate? How many are fused?
33; 24 separate, 9 fused to give two structures
What are the four general functions of the vertebral column?
Protection (encloses spinal cord), support (carries weight of body above pelvis), axis (centre of gravity), movement (including posture)
What is the vertebral body?
Anterior part of vertebrae, the weight bearing component
How does the size of the vertebral body change down the vertebrae?
Gets larger; bearing an increasing amount of weight each time
What are the superior and inferior aspects of the vertebral body lined with? What separates adjacent vertebral bodies?
Hyaline cartilage; vertebral bodies are separated by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc
What part of the vertebrae is made up of the vertebral arch? What does it form with the vertebral body?
Lateral and posterior parts; forms an enclosed hole, called the vertebral foramen
What do the vertebral foramina form when lined up?
The vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord
With their dense bony structure, what is a clinical use of imaging of the vertebral bodies?
Diagnosis of osteoporosis
What do the pedicles of the vertebral arch join to? (other bony prominences)
Anteriorly joined with vertebral body, laterally joined with transverse processes, posteriorly with the articular processes
What is the name of the bony prominence between the pedicles and spinous process?
The lamina
In which direction do the transverse processes extend away from the pedicles?
Laterally and posteriorly
What occurs at the junction between the lamina and pedicles?
Superior and inferior articular process arise; they articulate with other vertebrae, above and below
In which direction does the spinous process point?
Posterior, inferior
What are the two general functions of the intervertebral discs?
Permit flexibility (supporting curvature of spine) and act as a shock absorber
What is the general structure of an intervertebral disc?
Two regions; the jelly like nucleus pulposus, surrounded by the tough, collagenous annulus fibrosis
What is the embryonic origin of the nucleus pulposus?
The notochord
<p>
| What happens in herniation of the IV disc?</p>
<p>
The nucleus pulposus ruptures, breaking through the annulus fibrosus; this occurs in a posterior and lateral direction, putting pressure on the spinal cord which can manifest clinically in a variety of neurological and muscular symptoms</p>
How many are there of each type of vertebrae?
7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused into the sacrum, and 4 fused into the coccyx
What are the three main distinguishing features of the cervical vertebrae?
Spinous process bifurcates into two (bifid spinous process), foramen in each transverse process (foramen transverisium), and triangular vertebral foramen
What are the names of cervical vertebrae 1 and 2
The atlas and axis
Which cervical vertebra does not bifurcate, and is very long?
C7
What are found on the sides of the ventral bodies of the thoracic vertebrae?
Two demi facets on each side, for articulation with the head of its respective rib and the rib inferior to it
What is found on the transverse process of thoracic vertebrae?
Costal facet for articulation with respective rib
Describe the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae
Slanted inferiorly and anteriorly, providing increased protection to spinal cord
