THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN Flashcards
describe 4 functions of the vertebral column
- protects the spinal cord
- supports the weight of the body above the pelvis
- provides an axis for the body and a support for the head
- involved in posture and locomotion
what are the 5 regions of the vertebral column and how many vertebrae are in each?
- cervical - 7
- thoracic - 12
- lumbar - 5
- sacral - 5 (fused)
- coccygeal - 4 (fused)
how many curvatures are present in the vertebral column at birth?
one primary curvature - concave anteriorly
how many curvatures does an adult vertebral column have?
4
where are the curvatures?
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral
which curvatures are primary and why?
thoracic and sacral are primary as they are concave anteriorly
which curvatures are secondary and why?
cervical and lumbar are convex anteriorly so are secondary
when does the cervical curvature develop?
the cervical curvature develops as the baby lifts and holds up its head during sitting
when does the lumbar curvature develop?
develops as the infant starts to stand and walk
what are the functions of the vertebral curvatures?
increase the strength of the vertebral column and flexibility and its ability to absorb shock
what is kyphosis?
an exaggerated thoracic curve, may result from osteoporosis
what is lordosis?
an exaggerated lumbar curve, often seen in obesity or late pregnancy
what is scoliosis?
an exaggerated lateral curve, most often seen in girls and may be associated with a growth spurt
name the 7 landmarks of a typical vertebra
- spinous process
- lamina
- vertebral foramen
- transverse process
- body
- superior articular facet
- pedicle
what forms the vertebral arch?
the pedicels and laminae form the vertebral arch around the vertebral foramen
