The Spine - Structure and Function Flashcards
state 3/7 functions of the spine
- stability of the thorax
- movement in all directions
- supports the head, shoulders and rib cage
- protects the spinal cord
- force transference
- shock absorber
- attachment point for muscles and ligaments
state the 5 spinal sections, and how many vertebrae are in each
- cervicle - 7 vertebrae
- thoracic - 12 vertebrae
- lumbar - 5 vertebrae
- sarcal - 5 fused vertebrae
- coccygeal - 3-5 fused vertebrae
state the 4 spinal curves
- 2 x primary thoracic and sarco-coccygeal curves - kyphosis
- 2 x secondary cervicle and lumbar curves - lordosis
what type of curvature are the primary spinal curves
kyphosis
what type of curvature are the secondary spinal curves
lordosis
state what it is meant by the key term - scoliosis
scoliosis is a condition of lateral curvature of the spinal column
the vertebrae differ in what 3 ways ?
- size
- shape
- facet orientation
The vertebrae differ in size, shape and facet orientation. What is the effect of this ?
the function of the spinal column differs throughout the length of the spinal column
what vertebrae are the smallest and lightest ?
the cervicle vertebrae and the smallest and lightest vertebrae
how are cervicle vertebrae distinguished ? (3 characteristics)
- oval body
- short spinous process
- large foramen
what do all cervicle vertebrae contain, and what is the effect of this ?
each transverse process contains a transverse foramen for blood vessels travelling up to the brain/head
how is the atlas (C1) characterised ? (2 points)
- no spinous process
2. no body
what is the main function of the atlas (C1) ?
functions to help keep the head in place
how is the axis (C2) characterised ? (3 things)
has a body, spine and vertebral arches like no other vertebrae
what is unique two the axis (C2) ?
has a dens - a process projecting superiorly from the spinous body
what do the thoracic vertebrae articulate with ?
the thoracic vertebrae all articulate with the ribs - the costovertebral joints
how are thoracic vertebrae characterised ? (4 things)
- heart shaped body
- circular foremen
- transverse processes
- long spinous processes
talk about articular facets within the thoracic spine
articular facets limit flexion/extension movements, but allow for rotation
how are lumbar vertebrae characterised ? (3 things)
- short thick pedicles and laminae
- flat spinous processes
- triangular shaped foremen
talk about articular facets in the lumbar spine
articular facets lock to provide stability
what do the sacral vertebrae do ?
sarcal vertebrae articulate with the innominate to form the pelvic girdle
state 3 facts about ‘the bottom line’ of the spinal column’s function
- vertebrae consist of vertebral bodies which bear weight
- vertebral arches (laminae and pedicles) protect the spinal chord
- processes extending from the arch, which provide attachment and leverage for muscles
state the names of the 2 joint types within the spinal column
- vertebral body articulations (amphiarthrosis, symphysis)
2. vertebral facet articulations (non-axial, diarthrodial)
state what it is meant by the key term - vertebral body articulations
bodies of the vertebrae are united by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc
state what it is meant by the key term - vertebral faces articulations
non-axial, diarthrodial joints between the articular facets of the vertebral arch
what joint type are vertebral body articulations ?
amphiarthrosis, symphysis
what joint type are vertebral facet articulations ?
non-axial, diarthrodial
what is movement determined by in vertebral facet articulations ?
movement is largely determined by the directions that the articular facets face
intervertebral discs vary in thickness depending on what parameters ?
intervertebral discs vary in thickness depending on location and are relative to the size of the vertebral body
what proportion of the length of the spinal column is made up of the intervertebral discs
approximately 1/4
what two components make up the intervertebral discs ?
- annulus fibrosis - outer fibrous ring
2. nucleus pulposus - inner ball of firmly compressed elastic material
what 3 things do intervertebral discs allow for ?
- compression
- rotation
- stock absorption
what proportion of the intervertebral discs are made up of water ?
approx. 80-90% of the intervertebral discs are made up of water
state what it is meant by the key term - disc protrusion
disc protrusion is a type of disc herniation characterised by protrusion of a disc beyond the normal confinements of the intervertebral disc
state what it is meant by the key term - spondylolisthesis
spondylolisthesis is a condition involving spinal instability, which means the vertebral discs moves more than they should
state the names of the 6 vertebral column ligaments
- ligamentum flavum
- interspinous ligament
- supraspinous ligament
- inter-transverse ligament
- anterior longitudinal ligament
- posterior longitudinal ligamant
what is the location/what does the following connect - ligamentum flavum
connects the lamina from the axis to the sacrum
what is the location/what does the following connect - interspinous ligament
connects the spinous processes
what is the location/what does the following connect - supraspinous ligament
connects the apices of the spinous processes
what is the location/what does the following connect - inter-transverse ligament
connects the transverse processes
what is the location/what does the following connect - anterior longitudinal ligament
connects the vertebral bodies
what is the location/what does the following connect - posterior longitudinal ligament
connects the vertebral bodies
what is the function of the - ligamentum flavum
limits flexion
what is the function of the - interspinous ligament
limits flexion
what is the function of the - supraspinous ligament
limits flexion
what is the function of the - inter-transverse ligament
limite lateral flexion
what is the function of the - anterior longitudinal ligament (2)
- limits extension
2. reinforces the anterior portion of the annulus fibrosis
what is the function of the - posterior longitudinal ligament
limits flexion
