The Back Flashcards

1
Q

How many bones are in the vertebral column?

A

33 individual bones plus intervertebral disks

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2
Q

What are the functions of the vertebral column?

A

Weight bearing

Protection (spinal cord)

Movement

Site of muscle attachments

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3
Q

Where does the vertebral column transfer the weight to?

A

From the upper body to the lower limbs

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4
Q

What provides shock absorption on the vertebral column?

A

Curvature and the intervertebral disks

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5
Q

What is the name given to the protruding parts of the curvature of the spine (labelled B)?

A

Thoracic and sacral kyphoses (already present in the fetus)

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6
Q

What is the name given to the indented parts of the curvature of the spine labelled A ?

A

Cervical and lumbar lordoses (develop during infancy)

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7
Q

What is the term given to the abnormal curvatures of the spine?

A

Excessive thoracic kyphosis Excessive lumbar lordosis Scoliosis (abnormal shape looking from posterior side of the body - results from imbalance in muscle, differences in bone development)

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8
Q

Are the sacral vertebrae fused?

A

Yes

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9
Q

What is the function of intervertebral disks?

A

Shock absorption

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10
Q

What are the two components of intervertebral disks?

A

Central core with high water content surrounded by layers of fibrocartilage Nucleus pulposus Annulus fibrosus

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11
Q

What is meant by a slipped disk?

A

Nucleus pulposus leaks out the disk and compresses nerve root

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12
Q

What is protected by the vertebrae?

A

Spinal cord

Spinal nerves

Arteries and Veins

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13
Q

What is the outer thicker layer of the meninges?

A

Dura matter

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14
Q

What are the thinner inner layers of the meninges?

A

Arachnoid matter

Pia matter (most inner layer)

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15
Q

What are the movements of the vertebral column?

A

Extension Lateral extension Rotation (head and neck and upper trunk)

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16
Q

What are the joints of the vertebral joints?

A

Intervertebral disks (Secondary cartilaginous)

Facet joints (synovial plane)

Joints with ribs (synovial plane)

Skull and atlas (synovial ellipsoid condyloid)

Atlas and axis (synovial pivot)

17
Q

What are the types of ligaments of the vertebral column labelled

A

Posterior longitudinal (prevents over flexion) Anterior longitudinal (prevents over extension) Ligamentum flavum Interspinous Suprasinous

18
Q

What are intrinsic spinal muscles?

A

Responsible for controlling posture and movement of the spine and head. Erector spinae (act only on the back, not e.g. the limbs)

19
Q

What are the effects of ageing on the intervertebral disks?

A

Water content of the central core of the disks is reduced - less shock absorption

20
Q

What is the effect of ageing on the vertebral column in terms of joints?

A

Osteoarthritis → pain & stiffness of joints

21
Q

What is the effect of ageing on the vertebral column in terms of structure of the vertebrae?

A

Osteoporosis → compression fractures altering the curvature of the spine

22
Q

Why might back pain result because of old age?

A

Weakness of back muscles → imbalanced loading of the spine resulting in back pain

23
Q

List the structures labelled A to G

A