Spinal Anatomy

Question 1

Functions of the Spine

Answer 1

Flexibility of central column
Supports head and viscera
suspends upper extremities
protects spinal cord and viscera
transfers weight through pelvis to lower extremities
absorbs forces on body

Question 2

Curves of Spine (and Sagittal plane)

Answer 2

Kyphotic (Primary curve - present at birth)

• Concave anteriorly
• thoarcic and sacral

Lordotic (Secondary curve - up to age 10)

• shifts weight posteriorly
• concave posteriorly
• cervical (balancing head) & lumbar (develops when walking, crawling, sitting etc.)

Question 3

Kyphosis

Answer 3

Caused by - improper segmentation of vertebrae

- improper formation of vertebrae

Question 4

Lordosis

Answer 4

Caused by: Pot belly or pregnant women

Question 5

Scoliosis

Answer 5

(Coronal plane)
Body balancing body for uneven leg length
Normal less than 10 percent

Question 6

Vertebral Arch

Answer 6

Spinous process
Lamina
Pedicle

Question 7

Features of typical vertebra

Answer 7

Vertebral arch
Vertebral Foramen
7 processes
Intervertebral Foramen
Vertebral body
Pars interarticularis

Question 8

Vertebral Foramen

Answer 8

Created by vertebral arch and vertebral body

Question 9

7 Vertebral processes

Answer 9

Transverse Process (x2)
Superior articular process (x2 and facet)
Inferior articular process (x2 and facet)
Spinous process

Question 10

Intervertebral Foramen

Answer 10

Where superior and inferior articular facets meet = zygapophyseal joiny
Where superior and inferior vertebral notches meet = Intervertebral foramen (for spinal nerves)

Question 11

What bones do I need to know the aspects of

Answer 11

Inferior and Posterior portion of the skull (Occipital and Temporal)
Vertebral Column (26 elements - C7, T12, L5, S5, Cx 3-5) (32-34 as a child before S and Sx vertebrae fuse)
Sacrum (and where it binds to Ox caxae)
Coccyx
Ribs
Sternum
Sernum