The vertebrae Flashcards
Where does the vertebra run?
Skull to coccyx
How much of the vertebral column is vertebral disks?
1/4
How long is the vertebral column in adults?
72-75
How many vertebra? Name all the regions and the amount in each
33-31 7 cervical 12 thoracic 5 lumbar 5 sacral (fused) 4 coccygeal (fused) 1 or 2
What are the movements of 2 adjacent vertebrae
Extension (bending forwards) Flextion (bending backwards)
Movements possible in the whole vertebrae?
Extension Flextion lateral flextion rotation
How many curves are in the vertebral disks? Name them
cervical thoracic lumbar sacral
Which curves primary? What is the special name for these curves? What is the shape of these curves
Thoracic and sacral Special name -kyphoses Shape-concave
Which curves secondary? What is the special name for these curves? What is the shape of these curves
Cervical and lumbar Special name- lordoses Shape-convex
When are do primary and secondary curves develop?
Primary- during fetal development Secondary- infancy when child holds up head and walks
Which curves, secondary or primary allow the most movement?
Secondary curves Very little movement in preimry curves
What is the purpose of the curves?
They give extra dynamic flexibility and shock absorbance resilience
What is the purpose of the anterior part of the vertebral body?
Supports body weight gives strength to vertebral column
Features of a typical vertebra
2 pedicles Vertebral laminae vertebral arch Vertebral foramen (hole for spinal cord) Seven processes
How many processes are on a vertebrae? Name them and state there function
Seven processes
- 1 spinous process
- 2 transverse processes
- 4 articular processes
- processes - sites of attachment for deep back muscles,
- articular processes restrict movement