Session 2: Vertebral Column and Spinal Cord Flashcards
Which part is the lamina of the vertebra?
Between the spinous process and the transverse process
where is the pedicle of the vertebra?
Between the transverse process and the vertebral bod
What name is giving to the joints between the articular facets ofadjacent vertebrae?
zygapophyseal joints between the articular processes of two adjacent vertebrae
Describe some distinctive features of cervical vertebrae.
Triangular vertebral foramen
rectangular vertebral body
Transverse foramina in the transverse processes
Bifid spine (bifid=divides into 2 parts, see pics) (except C1 and C7)
Atlas and axis (C1 and C2) are specialized for movement see slide 11
Describe some distinctive features of thoracic vertebrae.
Bigger than cervical vertebrae
Circular vertebral foramen
Heart shaped vertebral body
Spinous process pointing sharply downwards
Transverse costal facets (for rib articulation) see slide 11
Describe some distinctive features of lumbar vertebrae.
LARGE Articular facets are angled to limit movement
Thin, long transverse processes (except L5)
Triangular vertebral foramen
kidney shaped vertebral body see slide 11
How many bones fuse to form the sacrum?
5
Describe the structure of the sacrum.
Concave anterior surface Triangular in shape L shaped articular facets (for articulation with pelvic bones)
How many bones fuse to form the coccyx?
3-4
Vertebral arches (this is everything except the vertebral body, search up pic) and canal are absent
What two types of joint are found between vertebrae?
Symphysis – between adjacent vertebral bodies Synovial Joints – between articular processes
How many joints are there between two typical vertebrae?
6 2 symphyses (above and below) 4 synovial joints (2 superior and 2 inferior)
Between which vertebrae do you find intervertebral discs?
C2-S1 There is no intervertebral disc between C1 and C2, if there was then your head won’t be able to move a lot because atlas and axis joints are important in head movement
What are the two parts of the intervertebral disc?
Nucleus pulposus Annulus fibrosus
Describe how problems with the intervertebral disc can lead to potential clinical problems.
Degenerative changes in the annulus fibrosus can lead to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, which can then impinge on spinal nerves or thespinal cord
Name the two ligaments that rung along the length of the vertebral bodies from the skull to the sacrum.
Anterior and Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments
Which ligament is typically damaged in whiplash (sudden head movement, typically in a car accident)?
Anterior Longitudinal Ligament see diagram on slide 29
What is the name given to the upper part of the posterior longitudinal ligament going from C2 to the skull?
Tectorial Membrane- thin superior continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament from the axis to the foramen magnum
Which ligament is pierced in lumbar puncture and where is it positioned relative to the vertebral bodies?
Ligamentum flavum – found between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
Name the triangular sheet-like structure found in the upper vertebral column. Where is it attached?
Ligamentum nuchae – attached from C7 to the occipital bone
What it continuous with the ligamentum nuchae and which part of the vertebrae is this attached to?
Supraspinous ligament It connects to the spinous processes from C7 to the sacrum
Which ligament lies between adjacent spinous processes?
Interspinous ligament
State the origin, insertion and function of: a. Serratus Posterior Superior b. Serratus Posterior Inferior
a. Serratus Posterior Superior
Origin –C7-T3
Insertion – upper border of ribs 2-5
Function – elevates ribs 2-5
b. Serratus Posterior Inferior
Origin – T11-L3
Insertion – lateral inferior margins of ribs 9-12
Function – depresses ribs 9-12 and prevents lower limbs from elevating when the diaphragm contracts
Describe the flexibility of the cervical spine in terms of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation.
Cervical spine can comfortably flex, extend, laterally flex and rotate. The articular surfaces between vertebrae are almost horizontal, so all these movement are possible. Also the neck has less surrounding tissue than other parts of the spine
Describe the flexibility of the upper thoracic spine (T1-T6).
NO flexion/extension Some lateral flexion Some rotation The articular surfaces are almost vertical, which doesn’t allow for flexion/extension.
Describe the flexibility of the lower thoracic spine (T7-T12).
Some flexion/extension Good lateral flexion Good rotation
Describe the flexibility of the lumbar spine (L1-sacrum).
NO rotation Good flexion/extension Good lateral flexion Their articular surfaces are curled around the articular surfaces of the adjacent superior vertebrae, ensuring no rotation.
Describe the shape of the atlas (C1).
ATYPICAL VERTEBRA It has NO vertebral body It consists of two lateral masses with an anterior and posterior arch. These arches form the ring which is the vertebral foramen containing the spinal cord