Spinal Anatomy Flashcards
Articular facets in cervical region are in what plane?
oblique (called zygopophyseal)
Articular facets in thoracic region are in what plane?
coronal
Articular facets in lumbar region are in what plane?
saggital
What do anterior longitudinal ligaments connect?
adjacent bodies and the IVD along anterior aspect
What do posterior longitudinal ligaments connect?
adjacent bodies and the IVD along posterior aspect
What do supraspinous ligaments connect?
adjacent spinous processes along the posterior aspect
What do intraspinous ligaments connect?
adjacent inferior/superior spinous processes
What do ligamenta lava connect?
adjacent lamina
kyphotic
- thoracic and sacral curves
- present at birth
- concavity faces anteriorly
kyphosis
accentuation of a kyphotic curve, i.e. hunchback
usually caused by poor posture or osteoporosis
lordotic
- cervical and lumbar curve
- develop after birth for balance and ambulation
- concavity faces posteriorly
lordosis
accentuation of the lordotic curves, usually caused by weakened tank muscles, obesity or pregnancy
identifying features of C1 or Atlas
- ring-like
- superior facets articulates with occipital condyles
- two lateral masses with articulating facets and large transverse processes for muscle attachment
- no body, pedicles or laminae
- posterior tubercle instead of spinous process
- can rotate on articular processes of C2
- vertebral artery runs along groove on posterior arch
- articular facet for dens on posterior surface of anterior arch
identifying features of C2
- dens projects superiorly
- no uncinate processes (still has semilunar facets)
- deeply bifid spinous process
- superior articular facets of axis are large and face superiorly
- largest and strongest cervical vertebrae
Name facets of the dens and what they articulate with
- posterior articular facet of the dens articulates with transverse ligament of the dens
- anterior articular facet of the dens articulates with anterior arch of the atlas (C1)
What contributes to 25% of the length of the vertebral column?
IVD or intervertebral discs
-% decreases with age due to disc degeneration
Another name for the pelvic bones?
Os coxae
What is Scoliosis?
lateral curvature of the spine
Which are the typical cervical vertebrae?
C3-C6
What are the features of a typical cervical vertebrae?
- oval-shaped vertebral body (smaller than thoracic and lumbar)
- triangular-shaped vertebral foramen
- bifid spinous process
- oblique facets in articular processes
- uncinate processes
What are the features of a typical cervical vertebrae?
- small oval-shaped vertebral body (smaller than thoracic and lumbar)
- large triangular-shaped vertebral foramen
- short bifid spinous process
- short bifid transverse process
- transverse foramen for passage of vertebral artery (C1-6) and vein (C1-7)
- articular facets in oblique plane
- uncinate processes
What type of joint forms between superior and inferior articular facets?
zygopophyseal
Where are IVFs located and what passes through them?
- Posterior to the vertebral foramen between inferior and superior vertebral notches
- spinal nerves
What does the superior vertebral notch and inferior vertebral notch of adjacent vertebrae form?
Intervertebral foramen, or IVF
What are the 3 areas/parts of the occipital bone?
- basilar, located anterior to foramen magnum
- lateral (condylar), located laterally to foramen magnum
- squamous, located posterior to foramen magnum
Describe the occipital condyle
- facet for articulation with C1
- has a medial notch called the Alar tubercle
Where is the alar tubercle located and what attaches to it?
- medially on the occipital condyle
- the alar ligament
The large opening in the occipital bone is called what and what is it continuous with?
- foramen magnum
- continuous inferiorly with vertebral canal
What attaches to the superior nuchal line?
trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, selenium capitis
What attaches to the inferior nuchal line?
rectus capitis posterior major and mine, obliques capitis superior
What attaches to the median nuchal line?
nuchal ligament
What attaches to the external occipital protuberance?
trapezius, nuchal ligament
Where is the external occipital protuberance located?
on the occipital bone at the intersection of the median nuchal line and superior nuchal line
What movements do C3-C7 enable?
- flexion/extension
- lateral flexion coupled with rotation
What movements do C1-C2 enable?
- rotation (C1-C2)
- flexion/extension (C0-C1)
- limited lateral flexion
What joint is formed by the semilunar facet and uncinate process of adjacent cervical vertebrae?
uncovertebral joint
What is the function of uncovertebral joints?
- limit lateral flexion
- guide movement in flexion and extension
Describe the articular facets of the SAP, or superior articular process?
- flat and oval
- face Superior, medial and Posterior
Describe the articular facets of the IAP, or inferior articular process?
- flat and oval
- face Inferior, Anterior and lateral
What runs through the intervertebral foramen?
Vertebral artery and vein (except in C1)
What is the articular pillar?
IAP, SAP and pars interarticularis arranged in a column
What are the parts of the bifid process of a typical cervical vertebrae?
- Anterior tubercle
- posterior tubercle
What is another name for the anterior tubercle of a typical cervical vertebrae and why?
costal tubercle because it transitions to ribs in thoracic vertebrae
What is the purpose of the groove in the transverse process of a typical cervical vertebrae?
where the spinal nerve lies after going through the transverse foramen
Spinal nerves emerge between what in the cervical region?
vertebral artery in the transverse foramen and the zygopophyseal joint, except C1 and C2 nerves
What are the borders of intervertebral foramen?
- intervertebral disc
- adjacent vertebral bodies
- uncovertebral joint
- adjacent pedicles
- zygopophyseal joint
Atypical features of C7
- transitional vertebrae between cervical and thoracic
- inferior articular facets are oriented similar to thoracic vertebrae
- superior articular facets are oriented similar to cervical vertebrae
- spinous process is more prominent and is not bifid
- no semilunar facets (still has uncinate process)
Path of the vertebral artery in the cervical spine?
through the transverse foramen of C7 to C2 where it enters the vertebral foramen of C2 through a groove in the posterior arch, then it turns up and enters the skull through the foramen magnum
What are considered the typical thoracic vertebrae?
T2-T8, sometimes T9
How many thoracic vertebrae?
12
How many cervical vertebrae?
7
How many lumbar vertebrae?
5
Features of a typical thoracic vertebrae?
- non-bifid spinal process that slopes inferiorly
- circular vertebral foramen
- heart-shaped vertebral body that is larger than cervical but smaller than lumbar and thicker posteriorly
- superior and inferior articular facets are in the coronal plane, superior faces posteriorly
- superior and inferior costal demi facets articulate with rib
- transverse costal facets articulate with tubercle of rib
- inferior vertebral notch much larger than superior
What facets do ribs articulate with on typical thoracic vertebrae?
- transverse costal facet on vertebra of same number
- superior and inferior costal demi facets of vertebra of same number and vertebra above, respectively
What direction does the superior articular facet face on a typical thoracic vertebrae?
posteriorly
What direction does the inferior articular facet face on a typical thoracic vertebrae?
anteriorly
What is the difference between IVF in cervical vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae?
The IVF in the thoracic region are oriented laterally whereas the IVF in the cervical region are oriented laterally but also slightly anteriorly
What are the features of T1?
- full superior costal facet that pairs with the 1st rib
- inferior costal demifacet paired with the 2nd rib
- vertebral body resembles the cervical vertebrae (more oval than heart-shaped)
- spinous process is sometimes more pronounced than C7 and is the vertebrae prominens
What are the features of T9?
- usually does not have an inferior costal demifacet, although sometimes does and is therefore sometimes considered a typical thoracic vertebrae
- still has superior costal demifacet
What are the features of T10?
- first thoracic vertebrae with a full costal facet which is paired with the 10th rib
What are the features of T11?
- vertebral body is large and resembles lumbar vertebrae (not heart-shaped)
- full costal facet that is paired with the 11th rib
- no transverse costal facet because rib 11 is floating
- spinous process is short, thick and rectangular: resembles the lumbar vertebrae
What are the features of T12?
- vertebral body is large and lumbar-like
- inferior articular facet faces lateral (instead of anterior)
- transverse process has 3 small elevations
What are the three elevations of the transverse process of T12?
- superior tubercle (mammillary process)
- lateral tubercle (vestigial transverse process)
- inferior tubercle (accessory mammillary process)
Which are the typical lumbar vertebrae?
T1-T4
What are the features of a typical lumbar vertebrae?
- vertebral foramen is triangular
- vertebral body is large and kidney bean-shaped
- have mammillary and accessory mammillary processes
- articular facets are in the sagittal plane
- spinous process is stout and rectangular
- transverse process is long and slender, project laterally
What direction do the superior facets face on a typical lumbar vertebrae?
mostly medial but also slightly posterior
What direction do the inferior facets face on a typical lumbar vertebrae?
mostly lateral but also slightly anterior
What are the features of IVFs in the lumbar region?
- oriented laterally
- largest along the vertebral column
- inferior notch is MUCH larger superior notch
What are the features of IVFs in the thoracic region?
- oriented laterally
- inferior notch is SLIGHTLY larger that superior notch
What are the features of IVFs in the cervical region?
- oriented laterally but also slightly anteriorly
- superior and inferior notches are roughly EQUAL
Which lumbar vertebrae is considered atypical?
L5
What are the features of L5?
- vertebral body is the largest in the lateral dimension but shortest in the A/P dimension of all lumbar vertebrae
- inferior articular are approaching coronal plane, facets face anterior and slightly lateral
- small spinous process
- short transverse process
What are anular epiphysis on vertebrae?
secondary center of ossification of the vertebral body, visible as a bony ring around the superior and inferior surfaces of the vertebral body
A joint with little (if any) movement?
synarthrosis
ex: skull
A joint with slight movement?
amphiarthrosis
ex: vertebrae
A joint with wide range of movement?
diarthrosis
ex: shoulder
A joint where articulating surface is covered by fibrous tissue?
fibrous joint
ex: tooth
A joint where articulating surface is covered by cartilage but nor directly connected?
Synovial joint
ex: knee
A joint where articulating surface is covered and connected by cartilage?
cartilaginous joint
ex: pelvic symphysis (sp?)
Central joints (between vertebral bodies) are what type (tissue and movement)?
cartilaginous
amphiarthrosis
Zygapophyseal joints are what type (tissue and movement)?
synovial
diarthrosis
Central or vertebral body joints are absent where?
occiput/Atlas
Atlas/Axis
Sacrum
Coccyx (usually)
What kind of cartilage is in the IVDs?
Fibrocartilaginous complex with some hyaline cartilage
How are IVDs named?
to include the vertebrae they separate (C5-C6 IVD)
What is the pattern of the cross sectional area of the IVDs throughout the vertebral column?
cross section is least in cervical region and greatest in lumbar region - increases down the vertebral column
How many IVDs are there?
23 - 6 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar
What is the pattern of thickness of IVDs throughout the vertebral column?
thickest in the lumbar region and thinnest in the thoracic
Where is an individual IVD thickest?
anteriorly
How do IVDs help form the lordotic curves?
by being thicker anteriorly and thinner posteriorly
What is the center of the IVD called?
nucleus pulposus
What is the outer ring of the IVD called?
anulus fibrosis
What is the function of the anulus fibrosis?
- as a ligament to bind intervertebral bodies
- retain nucleus pulposus
Why are disc herniations more common posterior laterally?
Because IVDs are thinnest posteriorly and posterior longitudinal ligament does not reinforce the posterior lateral portion of IVDs
What is the structure of the anulus fibrosis?
- fibrocartilaginous concentric rings that alternate each layer to form a basket weave for strength
- thinner posteriorly but reinforced by posterior longitudinal ligament
What is the nucleus pulposus made of?
collagen in mucopolysaccharide matrix
-it is the gelatinous remnant of notochord
What are the features of the nucleus pulposus?
it is strongly hydrophilic but held under pressure by gravity when standing or sitting causing it to lose water. When lying down, it gains water. It becomes more dehydrated with age.
Where are vertebral end plates located?
adjacent to upper and lower surfaces of successive vertebral bodies
What are the vertebral end plates made of?
have osseous and cartilaginous parts
Collagen fibers of the anulus fibrosus are continuous with which structure?
vertebral end plates
What is the structure and function of vertebral end plates?
They are porous to allow for transport/diffusion of water and nutrients to the avascular nucleus pulposus of the IVDs and transport/diffusion of waste away from nucleus pulposus of the IVDs
What is the small peripheral rim around the anulus fibrosus?
anular epiphysis
What supplies blood to the anulus fibrosus?
- sparsely by spinal branches
- mostly by diffusion from vertebral end plates
What drains waste from the anulus fibrosus?
- internal and external vertebral plexuses
- diffusion from vertebral end plates
What innervates the anular rim of the anulus fibrosus?
- branches of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves
- sympathetic chain
What does the anterior ligament extend?
the anterior vertebral column, continuously from axis/C2 to sacrum
How does the width of the anterior ligament change throughout the vertebral column?
it widens as it descends the vertebral column
How does the thickness of the anterior ligament change throughout the vertebral column?
thickest in the thoracic region reinforcing kyphotic curve
thickest adjacent to vertebral bodies compared to IVDs
thickest along midline
What does the posterior longitudinal ligament extend?
the posterior vertebral column, continuously from axis/C2 to sacrum, along anterior wall
How does the width of the posterior ligament change throughout the vertebral column?
it narrows as it descends the vertebral column
How does the thickness of the posterior ligament change throughout the vertebral column?
thickest in lumbar and cervical regions reinforcing lordotic curves
thickest along midline
Which longitudinal ligament is denser and more compact?
posterior longitudinal ligament
Which longitudinal ligament is more anchored to the IVDs?
both are continuous/anchored to IVDs but posterior longitudinal ligaments are better anchored
What ligament surrounds the zygopophyseal joint?
joint capsular ligament
What are meniscoids and what are they made of?
Projections from the inner surface of capsule into the joint capsule that is made of adipose tissue, vessels, nerve endings and covered by synovial membrane
What innervates the zygapophyseal joints?
branches of dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves
What does the ligamentum flavum extend?
laminae of adjacent vertebrae from axis/C2 to sacrum
What makes ligamentum flavum yellow?
elastic fibers
What joints does the ligamentum flavum reinforce?
- medial and anterior parts of zygopophyseal joint capsule
- posterior wall of vertebral canal/IVDs
What is the function fo the ligamentum flavum?
- limit flexion
- absorb forces
- maintain posture
What does the supraspinous ligament attach?
Spinous processes vertebral column
What does the supraspinous ligament extend?
spinous processes of C7 to sacrum
What is the supraspinous ligament continues with above C7?
nuchal ligament
What is the function for the supraspinous ligament?
limits flexion
Where are the interspinous ligaments attached?
between adjacent spinous processes
What is the function of the interspinous ligaments?
to limit flexion (strongest in the lumbar region)
Where are the intertransverse ligaments attached?
between adjacent transverse processes
What is the function of the intertransverse ligaments?
limit contralateral lateral flexion (strongest in lumbar region)
What are the two parts of the nuchal ligament?
- funicular, external portion from SP of C7 to EOP
- lamellar, sheet anterior to funicular that attaches to SPs of cervical vertebrae and median nuchal line
What innervates the nuchal ligament and what is their function?
Innervated by dorsal primary rami of C2-C4 spinal nerves fro proprioception and pain perception
What type of joint is the uncovertebral joint?
synovial joint
What is the function of the uncovertebral joint?
limit lateral flexion
guide flexion and extension movement
limit lateral herniations in cervical region
What type of joint is the Atlanto-occipital articulation?
synovial diarthroses
Atlanto-Occipital joint capsule ligaments?
anterior atlanto-occipital membrane
posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
lateral atlanto-occipital ligament
What kind of joints are the lateral atlanto-axial articulations?
gliding synovial diarthroses
What is the function of the lateral atlanto-axial articulations?
axial rotation
lateral flexion
flexion/extension
What is the function of the atlanto-occipital articulation?
hinge-like flexion/extension
lateral flexion and rotation to a small degree
What type of joint is the median atlanto-axial joint?
synovial diarthroses
What is the function of the median atlanto-axial joint?
pivot joint between dens and facet for dens on anterior arch of atlas
The lateral atlanto-axial articulations are closest to what plane?
horizontal plane
What are the anterior ligaments of the atlanto-axial articulation?
anterior atlantoaxial ligament
anterior longitudinal ligament
Posterior atlantoaxial ligament is equivalent to which ligament between the typical cervical vertebrae?
ligamentum flavum
What are the posterior ligaments of the occipital-atlanto-axial complex on the anterior surface of the vertebral column?
- apical ligament
- cruciform ligament (superior longitudinal band, inferior longitudinal band and transverse ligament of atlas)
- alar ligaments
- accessory ligaments
- tectorial membrane (continuous with posterior longitudinal ligament covering all other ligaments in this region)
The apical ligament of the occipital-atlanto-axial complex is a remnant of what?
IVDs and notochord
Where is the sub occipital/C1 nerve located?
parallels vertebral artery through defect in posterior atlanto-occipital membrane
Where is the greater occipital/C2 nerve located?
penetrates posterior atlantoaxial ligament
Where are the C3-C7 spinal nerves?
They emerge the IVF anterior to zygapophyseal joint and pass posterior to vertebral artery
What passes through the anterior sacral foramina?
ventral primary rami
What passes through the posterior sacral foramina?
dorsal primary rami
The intermediate sacral crest is located where and is remnants of what structure?
- medial to posterior sacral foramina and lateral to median sacral crest
- zygopophyseal joints
The lateral sacral crest is located where and is remnants of what structure?
- lateral to posterior sacral foramina
- transverse processes
Where is the sacral tuberosity located?
between the lateral sacral ridge and the auricular surface of the sacrum
What is the function of the sacral tuberosity?
ligaments fuse here for attachment of sacrum to ilium
Describe the articular surfaces of the sacra-iliac joint
- auricular surface lined by hyaline cartilage
- articulating surface of the ilium is lined with fibrous cartilage
What are the parts of the sternum?
- manubrium
- body
- xiphoid process
What are joints of the manubrium?
- sternoclavicular joint
- manubriosternal joint
- sternocostal joint
What are the edges of the manubrium?
- suprasternal/jugular notch (superior)
- calvicular notches (superiolateral)
- facets for articulation with rib 1 costal cartilage (lateral)
- demifacets for articulation with rib 2 costal cartilage
- sternal angle (inferior)
What is the anterior joint between the ribs and the costal cartilage?
costochondral joint
What is the joint between the xiphoid process and the body of the sternum?
xiphisternal joint
What are features of the xiphoid process
- can ossify or remain cartilaginous
- sometimes bifid
- sometimes articulates with costal cartilage of 7th rib
- remnant of 6th sternebrae
- orients in the same plane as the body of the sternum
What are the types of ribs and how many of each type are there?
- true ribs (7, R1-R7)
- false ribs (3, R8-R10)
- floating ribs (2, R11-R12)
What are false ribs?
ribs whose costal cartilage articulates with the sternum via costal cartilage of the rib above
What are floating ribs?
no articulation of costal cartilage and sternum
Where are the costovertebral joints and what kind are they?
- between rib and vertebral body
- gliding synovial joints
Where is the intra-articular ligament found?
on the interarticular crest between the superior and inferior articulating facets of the ribs 2-9
What ligament encapsulates the head of the rib and attaches it to the vertebral bodies and IVDs?
radiate ligament of the head of the rib
What is the indentation along the body of the rib that accommodates the intercostal neurovascular bundle?
costal groove
Which ribs are Atypical?
1, 10-12
What is atypical about rib 1?
- anterior and posterior grooves on the body to accommodate subclavian artery and vein respectively
- scalene tubercle (anterior scalene muscle attachment)
What is atypical about rib 10?
- one articular surface on head of rib, usually
- articulates with vertebra of the same number
Typical ribs articulate with which vertebrae?
- heads of rib n articulate with thoracic vertebra n (superior costal demifacet) and n-1 (inferior costal demifacet) as well as the IVD between n and n-1
- the articular facet for transverse process of thoracic vertebra articulates with the vertebra of the same number
What is atypical about ribs 11 and 12?
- one articular surface on head of rib
- articulates with vertebra of the same number
- short and mostly straight rib shafts
- no necks or tubercles
Where are the costochondral joints and what kind are they?
- between rib and costocartilage
- cartilaginous
Where are the sternocostal joints and what kind are they?
- between costocartilage and sternum
- synovial for R2-R7
- cartilaginous for R1
Where are the costotransverse joints and what kind are they?
- between tubercle of rib and transverse process of same number
- gliding synovial joints
What are the ligaments of the costotransverse joint?
- superior costotransverse ligament
- lateral costotransverse ligament
- interosseous costotransverse ligament
What are the articulations in the thoracic region of the spine?
- central joint
- zygapophyseal joint
- costovertebral joint
- costotransverse joint
- costochondral joint
- sternocostal joint
What are the articulations in the lumbar region of the spine?
- central joint
- zygapophyseal joint
What are the articulations of the typical cervical region of the spine?
- central joint
- zygapophyseal joint
Where is the iliolumbar ligament?
between medial iliac crest and transverse processes of L4 (superior band) and L5 (inferior band)
What ligaments bind L5 to the sacrum?
- anterior longitudinal ligament
- posterior longitudinal ligament
- supraspinous ligament
- interspinous ligament
- ligamentum flavum
- IVD between L5 and sacral body
- lumbosacral ligament
- lumbosacral capsular ligament
Where is the lumbosacral capsular ligament?
encapsulates the zygapophyseal joints of L5-S1
Where is the lumbosacral ligament?
between transverse process of L5 and sacral ala
Where is the lumbosacral ligament?
between transverse process of L5 and sacral ala
What kind of joint is the sacroiliac joint?
- gliding synovial joint
- amphiarthrosis
What lines the articular surfaces of the sacroiliac joint?
- sacral articular surface is lined with hyaline cartilage
- iliac articular surface is lined with fibrocartilage
What are the ligaments of the sacroiliac joint?
- anterior sacroiliac ligament with articular capsule
- sacrospinous ligament
- sacrotuberous ligament
- posterior sacroiliac ligament with long and short divisions
- interosseous sacroiliac ligament
What is it called when one vertebra slides forward over the vertebra below it? It most often occurs in the lumbosacral area.
spondylolisthesis
What is the bilateral fracture of the pedicles or pars interarticulares of C2 called?
Hangman’s fracture because it is caused by forcible hyperextension of the neck
What attaches to the supreme nuchal line?
occipitalis
What is the function of the foramen magnum?
conduit for the spinal cord-brainstem transition, meninges and vertebral arteries
congenital condition where atlas is partially or completely fused to occiput
occipitalization
What is the carotid tubercle?
- the anterior tubercle of TP of C6
- it separates common carotid artery from vertebral artery
- carotid artery can be massaged against this tubercle to relieve tachycardia symptoms
Where are the mammillary processes located?
on the posterosuperior surface of the superior articular process of lumbar vertebrae
Where are the accessory mammillary processes located?
at the base of the transverse process
What is a congenital fissure of one or more of the vertebral arches?
spondyloschisis, common in lumbar region (L5)
What is a separation or breaking apart of pars interarticularis of a vertebral segment?
spondylolysis, caused by repetitive trauma, sport injuries
What is the condition in which L5 is partially or completely fused to the sacrum?
Sacralization of L5
What is it called when there is asymmetry of facet planes within a vertebral segment?
tropism
What are possible diseases that could reduce the strength of bone and predispose it to fracture?
- osteoporosis
- primary lesion
- metastasis
What is the sacrum specialized for?
transferring weight of body through the pelvis and to lower extremity
What is the sacrum composed of?
5 fused vertebral segments that form a wedge-shape
What is the concavity of the sacrum?
concave anteriorly (kyphotic)
What direction doe the sacrum tilt?
slightly inferiorly to form the roof and posterior wall of pelvic cavity
What is the ridge-like landmark along the anterior-superior edge of S1 body?
sacral promontory
Where are the sacral Alae located?
lateral to the S1 body on the base of the sacrum
What is the inferior part of the sacrum called?
Apex
What is the superior part of the sacrum called
base
The lines of fusion between sacral bodies?
transverse lines
What passes through the posterior sacral foramina?
dorsal primary rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves
What passes through the anterior sacral foramina?
ventral primary rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves
The fused spinal processes of the sacrum form what?
median sacral crest
What is the sacral portion of the vertebral canal called?
Sacral canal
What is contained in the sacral canal?
cauda equina
What is the caudal equina?
bundle of dorsal and ventral rootlets of spinal nerves
The inferior opening of the sacral canal?
sacral hiatus
What direction do the superior articular facets of the sacrum face?
posterior in the coronal plane
What is the combined sacral tuberosity and auricular surface called?
pars lateralis
Where is the pars lateralis located?
lateral to the lateral sacral crest
The articulating surface of the sacrum for the sacroiliac joint?
auricular surface
Condition where S1 is not completely fused to sacrum?
lumbarization of sacrum
What is formed by fusion of 3-5 rudimentary vertebrae?
coccyx
What are the parts of the coccyx?
- apex
- base
- cornua
What are common causes of coccyx fracture?
child birth and fall in the seated position
pain is worse when getting up from chair or during bowel movement
What makes up the body of the sternum?
four fused sternebrae
What does the body of the sternum articulate with?
- manubrium (manubriosternal joint)
- 2nd-7th costal cartilages (sternocostal joints)
- xiphoid process (xiphisternal joint)
What are true ribs?
they connect directly to sternum via their own costal cartilage
Where is the costal tubercle found?
at junction of neck and shaft of rib
What attaches to the costal tubercle?
lateral costotransverse ligament
What articulates the the costal tubercle?
transverse process of vertebra of the same number to form the costotransverse joint
What attaches to the costal angle?
iliocostalis
Where is the costal groove located?
on the internal surface of the inferior edge of the rib shaft
What does the distal end of a rib articulate with?
costal cartilage to form costochondral joint
Where do rib fractures usually occur?
at the site of impact or along the weakest point of the rib
What is supernumerary ribs?
extra ribs in the lumbar or cervical region. Both are rare and usually asymptomatic but cervical ribs are extremely rare and can cause compression fo brachial plexuses or subclavian artery
What is the study of joints and articulations?
arthrology
What is the study of ligaments?
syndesmology
Herniation of an IVD occurs how?
degenerative changes in the IVDs have resulted in tears and weakening of the anulus fibrosus causing herniation of the nucleus pulposus beyond the limits of the anulus. The herniation can then compress or inflame nerve roots.
The displacement of nucleus pulposus through the VEP and into an adjacent vertebral body is called what?
Schmorl’s nodes
What is weakness or partial loss of voluntary movement?
paresis
What is total loss of voluntary movement?
paralysis
What is abnormal sensations such as tingling or itching?
Paresthesia
Thickening of the ligamentum flavum resulting in decreased elasticity/spinal stenosis is called what?
hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum
Injury caused by acceleration-deceleration of cervical spine
Whiplash
The loss of cervical lordosis resulting in a straight cervical spine is caused by what?
whiplash
Where is the anterior Atlanto-occipital membrane located?
between anterior arch of C1 and anterior margin of the foramen magnum
Where is the posterior Atlanto-occipital membrane located?
between posterior arch of C1 and posterior border of the foramen magnum -it is continuous with ligamentum flavum
Where is the lateral Atlanto-occipital ligament located?
between lateral mass of C1 and lateral margin of foramen magnum
What is it called when the free edge of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane ossifies at the defect for the vertebral artery?
arcuate foramen
What is excessive movement of the Atlanto-axial joint due to abnormality of ligaments or bony structure?
atlantoaxial instability
Who is at risk for Atlanto-axial instability?
Down’s syndrome individuals
A continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the occipital-axial complex?
tectorial membrane
What kind of joint is the sacroiliac joint (type and movement)?
gliding synovial joint
amphiarthrosis
Chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton with genetic association?
ankylosing spondylitis
