The Vertebrae Flashcards
Spinous Process
Part of the vertebrae extending on the posterior side where muscles and ligaments attach to
Body
Bony large part of the vertebrae on the anterior side
Transverse Process
Part of vertebrae that extends laterally and is a point of attachment for muscles
Lamina
Area between the transverse and the spinus process for attachment of the ligamenta flava
Pedicle
Area between the body and the articular process and for the intervertebral foramina
Articular Process
Projections that serve to link vertebrae
Atlas
C1 vertebrae that has no body and no spinous process, with its function being rotation on the Axis
Axis
C2 vertebrae that has the Dens (odontoid) and bifid spinous process that allows for pivotal movement
Cervical Vertebrae
Bifid spinous and transverse process and C7 had a long spinous process (vertebra prominens)
Thoracic Vertebrae
Have costal facets for articulation with ribs and they are where ribs attach
Lumbar Vertebrae
Support the weight of the body and are thus the most massive vertebrae
Sacral Vertebrae
Support weight of the body and are made up of 5 bones that eventually become fused
How many vertebrae are there in each section?
Cervical: 7
Thoracic: 12
Lumbar: 5
Sacral: 5
What is primary curvature and where does it occur?
Primary curvature is concave anteriorly and occurs in the thoracic and sacral region
What is secondary curvature and where does it occur?
Secondary curvature is concave posteriorly and occurs in the cervical and lumbar region
What is anterior longitudinal ligament?
Covers the body of the vertebrae on the anterior end
What is posterior longitudinal ligament?
Covers the body of the vertebrae on the posterior end
What is ligamentum flava?
Binds the lamina of the vertebrae
Dura Mater
The tough, protective outer layer of the spinal cord and continues inferiorly as the filum terminale externum
Pia Mater
Tissue closely applied to the spinal cord
Arachnoid
Is a thin and delicate web-like structure that surrounds the pia mater and houses the sub-arachnoid space between the pia mater and arachnoid, which contains cerebrospinal fluid
Cauda Equina
Nerve roots extending after the end of the spinal cord
Dentate Ligaments
Lateral extensions of the pia mater between nerve roots
Dorsal Root
Conveys sensory information
cell bodies are outside the cord in a ganglion