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
What is the exact function of the
spinous and transvers processes
The pedicles
The laminae
and the verterbral body
spinous and transvers processes- sites of muscle attachment
The pedicles- protect the spinal cord
The laminae- restricts movment
and the verterbral body- supports body weight
Location of the cervical vertebra? Special features?
Location- Neck
Special features- smallest of all vertebrae
foramen in transverse processes for vertebral arteries
bifid spinous process (in 2 parts)
Name the 2 types of cervial vertebra. What is the difference between the 2
Atlas C1 - ring shaped- has no vertebral body
and axis C2- strongest, contaisn Dens (dentoid process) which C1 rotates around
What does C1 rotate around?
Dens (dentoid process) on C2
Characteristic features of the thoracic vertebrae
- Characteristic features - costal facets – articulation with ribs
- 1 or more facets on each side of vertebral body articulates with head of a rib
- 1 facet on each transverse process of superior 10 thoracic vertebrae for tubercle of a rib
Heart shaped
The sides, superiorly and inferior articulate with the ribs
Name of joints between each vertebrae?
Zygapophysial joint
Look at this exray, make sure you are familiar
Look at this exray, make sure you are familiar
Characteristic features of lumber vertebrae
large bodies and sturdy laminae
- L5 largest of all moveable vertebrae
- carries weight of upper body
Characteristics of Sacrum and Coccyx
Sacrum - large triangular wedge of bone - 5 fused vertebrae
Coccyx (tailbone) - a small triangular bone - 4 fused vertebrae
Describe kyphosis abnormality. What causes it?
Hump back- lean forward
increased thoracic curvature
Can cause- •Erosion/fracture of anterior part of one or more vertebrae
Describe lordosis abnormality. What causes it?
hollow-back
- Anterior tilt of pelvis produces increased lumbar curvature.
- Associated with weakened trunk muscles.
- Can develop in late pregnancy or with obesity.
Describe Scoliosis and its causes
- Scoliosis (crooked, or curved back) abnormal lateral curvature
- Usually accompanied with rotation of the vertebrae
- Most common deformity of vertebral column in pubertal girls
- Result of developmental defects, asymmetric muscle strength, poor posture, or idiopathic
Describe flat back syndrome
- Flat back syndrome
- Hamstrings tight
- Hip flexors weak
- Pelvis tilts backwards pulls vertebral column flat
What is the function of the pedicles and laminae?
Protect the spinal cord
What is the largest of all the moveable vertebare
L5
