The Back Flashcards
How many bones are in the vertebral column?
33 individual bones plus intervertebral disks
What are the functions of the vertebral column?
Weight bearing
Protection (spinal cord)
Movement
Site of muscle attachments
Where does the vertebral column transfer the weight to?
From the upper body to the lower limbs
What provides shock absorption on the vertebral column?
Curvature and the intervertebral disks
What is the name given to the protruding parts of the curvature of the spine (labelled B)?
Thoracic and sacral kyphoses (already present in the fetus)
What is the name given to the indented parts of the curvature of the spine labelled A ?
Cervical and lumbar lordoses (develop during infancy)
What is the term given to the abnormal curvatures of the spine?
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)
Are the sacral vertebrae fused?
Yes
What is the function of intervertebral disks?
Shock absorption
What are the two components of intervertebral disks?
Central core with high water content surrounded by layers of fibrocartilage Nucleus pulposus Annulus fibrosus
What is meant by a slipped disk?
Nucleus pulposus leaks out the disk and compresses nerve root
What is protected by the vertebrae?
Spinal cord
Spinal nerves
Arteries and Veins
What is the outer thicker layer of the meninges?
Dura matter
What are the thinner inner layers of the meninges?
Arachnoid matter
Pia matter (most inner layer)
What are the movements of the vertebral column?
Extension Lateral extension Rotation (head and neck and upper trunk)
What are the joints of the vertebral joints?
Intervertebral disks (Secondary cartilaginous)
Facet joints (synovial plane)
Joints with ribs (synovial plane)
Skull and atlas (synovial ellipsoid condyloid)
Atlas and axis (synovial pivot)
What are the types of ligaments of the vertebral column labelled
Posterior longitudinal (prevents over flexion) Anterior longitudinal (prevents over extension) Ligamentum flavum Interspinous Suprasinous
What are intrinsic spinal muscles?
Responsible for controlling posture and movement of the spine and head. Erector spinae (act only on the back, not e.g. the limbs)
What are the effects of ageing on the intervertebral disks?
Water content of the central core of the disks is reduced - less shock absorption
What is the effect of ageing on the vertebral column in terms of joints?
Osteoarthritis → pain & stiffness of joints
What is the effect of ageing on the vertebral column in terms of structure of the vertebrae?
Osteoporosis → compression fractures altering the curvature of the spine
Why might back pain result because of old age?
Weakness of back muscles → imbalanced loading of the spine resulting in back pain
List the structures labelled A to G
