Spinal Joints Flashcards
What are symphyses?
the class under which vetebral bodies are a part of; joints known as cartilaginous
What are the functions of the intervetebral discs?
shock absorbers
Structure of the IV disc?
fibrocartilage sandwhiched between two thin layers of hyaline cartilage
What is degenerative disc disease (DDD)?
the disc thins out as it loses water as we age
Where is the first disc?
between C2 and C3
Where is the last (lowest) disc?
between L5 and S1
What is fibrocartilage?
very tough cartilage
What is uncinate process?
aka joints of luschka; bony elevations on the vertebrae that hook onto the next vertebrae
What is bony growth called?
osteophyte
What is the supraspinous ligament?
strong ligaments; goes between C6 and sacrum; limits how far you can stretch forward
What is the nucal ligament?
basically the supraspincous ligament but above C7
What is the external occiptal protuberance (EOP)?
pronounced bump on the back of the head
What are interspinous ligaments?
weak and fibrous ligaments that hold intevertebral discs together
What is ligament flava?
attaches laminae of each vertebrae to each other and is found on the posterior wall of the vetebral canal
What is posterior longitutional ligament (PLL)?
exactly what it sounds like; ligament running on the posterior side of the spinal column that is long; from C2 to spacrum and is pain sensitive
What is anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL)?
covers anterior aspect of vetebral bodies and discs and travels from sacrum to foramen magum of the skull
What is tectoral membrane?
the PLL above C2 to the floor of the skull
What is atlanto-occipital joint?
joint between C1/atlas and occipital bone on skull; allows you to nod
What are the two membranes on the atlanto-occipital joint?
Anterior atlantooccipital membrane
Posterior atlantooccipital membrane
What is the atlanto-axial joint?
joint between C1 and C2; allows you to shake your head no
