Spine Flashcards
Vertebrae=
Are joined together by intervertebral discs so are partly rigid and the discs are compressible and elastic.
They articulate at: Synovial joints, cartilaginous joints.
What are the functions of the spine?
1- protection
2- flexibility
3- structural support
The spine extends from skull to coccyx. Has 26 irregular bones and 25% length formed by intervertebral discs
What Is the general vertebra structure?
There are 7 processes per vertebra:
- Spinous process
- Transverse processes (2)
- Superior articular processes (2)
- Inferior articular processes (2)
Zygapophyseal joints (or facet joints) =
Are the only synovial joints in spine. It is the point which superior and articular facets meet. They provide stability and limit rotation of spine.
What are the different spinal nerves, and how many?
IV foramen allow nerves to exist in the spine. Spinal nerves include:
- 8 cervical
- 12 thoracic
- 5 lumbar
- 5 sacral
- 1 coccygeal
= 31 pairs
Where can rotation of the spine happen?
At different levels:
- cervical
- thoracic
- lumbar (but limited)
Explain the different curvatures of the spine
Cervical= lordic curve
Thoracic= kyphotic curve
Lumbar= lordic curve
Sacral= kyphotic curve
Spina bifida=
Development of vertebra being compromised. It causes herniation from a non-fused vertebral arch.
What is the specialisation of the C1 (cervical) vertebrae?
It articulates with the skull, allowing head to nod and rotate from side to side. It has an anterior and posterior arch.
What is the specialisation of the C2 vertebrae?
It is a transverse ligament. It has an apical odontoid ligament to skull and lateral odontoid alar ligament to occipital lobe.
What is the specialisation of the C3-C7 vertebrae?
Have unconvertebral joints, helping the necks forward and backward movements .
Secondary cartilaginous joints of vertebral bodies=
Are made of fibrocartilage and are within the intervertebral discs.
Ligaments of vertebral bodies=
Both posterior and anterior longitudinal ligaments, supporting the IV discs.
Cause of herniated discs of vertebral bodies=
Happens when the nucleus pulposus pushes out through the annulus fibrosus and presses against spinal root nerves. It can cause lower back pain/ numbness in the lower limb due to damage of nerves.
What ligaments support facet (zygopophyseal) joints?
- Ligament flava= contains elastin, can stretch and return to original shape which helps store energy.
- Interspinous ligament= tough, heavy and limits flexion of spine.
- Supraspinous ligament= limits upper flexion of spine.
- Intertransverse ligaments= limits lateral flexion of spine by limiting distances that can be achieved in the transverse process.
