Spine Flashcards
What are pedicles of the vertebra?
join the vertebral body to the transverse processes
What does the spinal cord run through?
vertebral foramen
What is the laminae of the vertebra?
connects the transverse and spinous processes
What is the vertebral (neural) arch?
posterior vertebral region formed by the pedicles and laminae
Where do the transverse processes of the vertebra arise from?
vertebral arch
What are the superior and inferior articulating processes facets?
bony projections that form synovial zygapophyseal facet joints with vertebra above and below
What are the zygapophyseal joints?
synovial joints between the superior and inferior articulating process facets
enables vertebral extension and flexion; limits rotation
What is the intervertebral (neuro) foramina?
bilateral foramina that form the hole between pedicles of adjacent vertebrae for the passage of spinal nerves
What are the 6 vertebral column ligaments?
- anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL)
- posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL)
- ligamentum nuchae
- supraspinous ligament
- interspinous ligament
- ligamentum flavum
What is the anterior longitudinal liagment (ALL)?
runs longitudinally along anterior surface of vertebral bodies
What is the purpose/function of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL)?
limits vertebral extension
maintains stability of intervertebral discs
What is the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL)?
runs longitudinally down the posterior surface of vertebral bodies w/in the vertebral canal
What is the purpose/function of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL)?
posteriorly supports intervertebral discs = prevents intervertebral hernias
limits vertebral flexion
What is the supraspinous ligament?
connects the apices of spinous processes
What is the purpose/function of the supraspinous ligament?
limits vertebral flexion
What is the ligamentum nuchae?
runs from external occipital protuberance to C7 spinous process
What is the function of the ligamentum nuchae?
- prevents cervical hyperflexion
- attachment site for trapezius m. and rhomboid minor m.
What is the purpose/function of the interspinous ligament?
- connects adjoining spinous processes
- limits flexion
What is the purpose/function of the ligamentum flavum?
- connects paired laminae of adjacent vertebrae
- limits vertebral flexion
- preserves curvature of column
- prevents injury to intervertebral discs
What are rootlets of spinal nerves?
a group/collection of fibers that are carried away or toward the spinal cord
What is the dorsal ramus of the spinal nerve?
transport SENSORY nerve fibers from skin
What is “ramus” in nervous system anatomy?
branch or division of a nerve
What is dorsal ramus branch of the spinal nerve?
innervates the posterior (back) part of the body, including skin and back muscles
What is ventral ramus branch of the spinal nerve?
innervates the anterior (front) part of the body
- gives rise to various nerve plexuses that distribute nerves to different parts of the body.
What are the 3 layers of the spinal cord and description.
Dura mater = outer-most layer – defines epidural and subdural spaces
Arachnoid mater = spiderweb-like layer (middle layer) –> subarachnoid space = CSF –> Pia mater
Pia mater = innermost layer, cannot peel off = adheres to spinal cord/brain
What are the 2 spinal cord enlargements? Why are they “enlarged”?
Cervical = C4 - T1 –> supplies upper limb
Lumbar = L2 - S3 –> supplies lower limb
enlargements contain increased amount of neural tissue
What is the conus medularis?
terminal end of spinal cord starting at L1/L2
What is the cauda equina?
“horse’s tail” = bundle of nerve roots that extend at the end of conus medularis
What is filum terminale?
inferior extension of pia mater beyond conus medularis = anchors spinal cord to coccyx
What is the difference in dura mater between that of the spinal cord and of the brain?
brain = 2 layers (periosteal and meningeal) = thicker
spinal cord = 1 layer
