Regional characteristics of intervertebral foramen Flashcards
What parts of the ce3rvical vertebra will modify the intervertebral foramen?
The lateral groove and uncinate process
What happens to cervical nerve roots between their origin from the spinal cord and exit from the intervertebral foramen?
The descend along the spinal cord
What is the relationship between aging and cervical spine nerve root characteristics?
The length of the nerve root increases as it descends from its apparent origin on the spinal cord, but the cross-sectional area of the nerve root decreases
What is the relationship between aging and cervical spine intervertebral foramen size?
The cross-sectional area diminishes after age 50
What are the specific attachment sites for a cervical spinal nerve?
The sulcus for the ventral primary ramus on the costotransverse bar and the vertebral artery
What contributes to the anterior boundary of the thoracic intervertebral foramen?
The costocentral joint
Which are the largest spinal nerves?
L5 and S1 spinal nerves
What increases the length of the intervertebral foramen at L5?
The lumbosacral tunnel
What forms the lumbosacral tunnel?
The lumbosacral ligament, transverse process of L5 and sacral ala
What condition is the result of encroachment on the L5 spinal nerve?
The far out syndrome
What is the relationship between intervertebral disc herniation and lumbar spinal nerves?
The intervertebral disc above the intervertebral foramen is usually the source of damage
What is unusual about the sacral intervertebral foramen compared to other intervertebral foramina?
A completely osseous boundary exists
What is more likely the cause of nerve irritation at the sacral intervertebral foramen?
The tilt or position of the entire sacrum relative to the pelvis
What is the relationship of lumbar nerve root size to intervertebral foramen size above L4?
The nerve root size will account for less than 22% of the available size
What is unique about the relationship of spinal nerve to intervertebral foramen at S5-Co1?
There are two nerves present, S5 nerve and Co1 nerve
